Milton

Four movement suite for organ written around 1916 and dedicated to the composer's friend, Sir Edward Elgar. Each movement is inspired by a quotation from the works of the 17th century poet, John Milton - Ode on Time, Comus, and Il Penseroso. The music can be interpreted in the light of the prevailing national mood in the latter stages of the First World War and is suffused with a sombre optimism, of final victory over tragedy and waste.