Sir Thomas Beecham was a leading champion of Delius and his recordings of works by the composer, often the first to be made, are of particular interest. Made with handpicked players of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, very much Beecham’s own orchestra after the Second World War, the present release is particularly significant for its inclusion of A Village Romeo and Juliet, Delius’s fourth and most successful opera. Feauring many singers at one time familiar to British audiences, it remains a landmark performance, with Beecham’s evangelising conviction, passion and experience shining from every bar.