The first five of these songs were designed as a folk-song set, although they can of course be performed singly, and in any preferred order. Written between 1975 and 1983, they were first broadcast on BBC Radio 3 by the soprano Wendy Eathorne and myself in May 1985. However, She moved thro' the fair and, later on, The last rose of summer (which is more of a traditional Irish song, rather than a folk song) were created especially for Dame Janet Baker who performed them frequently in recitals between 1982 and 1989.
Geoffrey Pratley has for many years been one of Britain's busiest accompanists and duo-players, and is especially known for his long-standing partnerships with Dame Janet Baker, the French 'cellist Paul Tortelier, and the British violinist Ralph Holmes. He has also played for Placido Domingo, Rita Streich, Jack Brymer, Leon Goossens, Vanya Milanova, Takayoshi Wanami, and many more top international artistes in many countries around the world. He teaches at the Royal Academy of Music, and Trinity College of Music, London, and has several other musical titles to his credit.
