Composer of the Week - Ernest John Moeran (1894-1950) - Jack Reclaims His Irish Heritage

"Old Raspberry", commonly known as Jack Moeran, was a pioneer in the collecting of British folk music - as a composer he was greatly inspired by nature - and was involved in many tales of nudity, drunkenness and reckless driving that originated from his time living with Peter Warlock. Many friends were convinced that Peter Warlock had led the thoroughly decent Jack Moeran astray. However, with Moeran leaving Eynsford and Warlock later taking his own life, Jack began to compose again and reappraise his work. At last, after many years, he finished his first symphony, which was premiered by the conductor Leslie Heward. Moeran also started to take a much greater interest in Ireland, in particular Kenmare in County Kerry, where the local inhabitants were very fond of Jack, even feeling that he'd make a good Mayor. It was the surroundings of this Irish landscape and culture that greatly inspired his Violin Concerto, which often exhibits lyrical Irish folksong tendencies. During this programme there is an extract of Moeran in interview from 1947, where he discusses his love for Ireland.