Ernest John Moeran (1894-1950) was born in London and studied at the Royal College of Music, and later under John Ireland. A man of piercing intellect and originality, he was essentially a miniaturist who nevertheless produced some outstanding larger works, like those on this classic recording. Moeran was found dead in the River Kenmare in 1950, a victim of heart failure, and his music seemed soon after to pass into oblivion; however in recent years it has enjoyed a great revival of reputation and there have been numerous recordings. These readings by Sir Adrian Boult are the most famous Moeran recordings ever put on disc.