John Cameron Wilson, guest conductor

Linden Lea was Ralph Vaughan Williams’ first publication, originally written for solo voice and piano in 1902, where it has since been adopted into the English canon as a song known and beloved in nearly every household of the region. It is an original melody of Vaughan Williams’ that he wrote at the age of 29, based on a poem written in 1859 by William Barnes. The tune describes an orchard in the English countryside that the singer reflects on fondly, recalling its beauty and status as his true home. Since its publication, Linden Lea has seen many arrangements across a variety of ensembles, not least of which the one presented here by John Stout. This version is a straightforward adaptation. Though it does not present the original poem, its use of varied instrumental color and slight tempo changes distinguishes itself, heightening the emotional appeal of this attractive melody.

Program note researched and written by John Cameron Wilson