Goerge Templeton Strong was an American Romantic who, after a period of study in Germany, where he frequented the circles of Liszt and Wagner, eventually settled in Switzerland. Scored for large symphony orchestra, the magnificent suite, Die Nacht, subtitled ‘Four Little Symphonic Poems’ is perhaps the composer’s most characteristic work. Its skilful scoring, lush melodic writing and command of atmosphere are immediately appealing. The huge symphonic poem, Le Roi Arthur (King Arthur), Strong’s only overt homage to Richard Strauss, is constructed like a symphony in three connected movements. As in the Symphony No. 2 (recorded on 8.559018), Le Roi Arthur focuses on the conflict between Good and Evil, the music alternating between passages of great lyrical beauty and tumultuous drama.