Delius: Orchestral Works, Vol. 2 (1927-1936)

The orchestra which Beecham conducted on the disc was the ensemble of freelancers that played for the concerts of the Royal Philharmonic Society season. Léon Goossens was prominent as first oboe, and when in 1932 Beecham formed his brilliant London Philharmonic Orchestra Goossens became one of his star players. As well as dominating the London concert scene Sir Thomas and his new orchestra embarked on an ambitious recording programme. Between 1933 and 1940 over 200 78s were issued (mainly on the Columbia label but some on HMV) including the three 'Society' volumes devoted to Delius's music. In conjunction with his recording producer Walter Legge, who had helped develop the concept of 'Society' sets, Beecham was careful to plan the making of the Delius volumes at two yearly intervals (1934, 1936 and 1938) in order to allow a space between their release to the public; this made good commercial sense since the seven discs that each volume comprised were not obtainable separately but had to be purchased together in a special album.