The happiest discoveries are often made in pubs - and one of the happiest for me was

an introduction to the music of George Lloyd.  A true prodigy, his youthful career was to be

blighted by WW 2 service with the Royal Marines on Arctic Convoy duty when his ship was

torpedoed and he narrowly escaped death.  His post-war career was overtaken by the

fashion for atonal music and never truly recovered, although his work enjoyed a late summer

of public discovery towards the end of his life.  If you enjoy classical music, seek it out.

The following was written in his lifetime when some overdue appreciation was forthcoming.

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Muse - whose music spans the years

And brings forth unaccustomed tears,

You follow still your lonely star

And let not fickle fashion mar

 

Your joyful message to mankind

That grateful hearts will gladly find.

Be not discouraged in your art,

Be not dissuaded from your part.

 

Faithful muse, the light is near,

See the darkness disappear;

The dawn is here, the night is past,

Your day has come...at last...at last.