James Lyon, born in Manchester on 24 October 1872 and so far as music was concerned, was almost entirely self taught (he did however go to Oxford and became a Mus Doc of that university in 1905). He later taught at Bantock's Birmingham and Midland Institute and also at St Michael's College Tenbury, King Edward's School, Warwick and Trinity College London. He examined and adjudicated widely. He wrote two books for students: A Practical Guide to the Modern Orchestra and The Elements of Harmony. He died in Australia on 25 August 1949.
His music could be described as "Neo-Romantic" in style and he certainly had a taste for writing dramatic music, his output including four operas His works did not stop there; he was quite prolific. There are countless songs and part songs as well as organ and chamber music.
Orchestral works embraced a Symphony, four suites, the Welsh Poem Gwalia, a Poem on Manx Tunes, the prelude Aucassin and Nicolette, the Ballad for violin and orchestra and the Idyll Opus 20 for strings.
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about James Lyon is that a person who was self taught later became so identified with teaching.
Idyll - Op 20
For strings, an early work but it shows a level of maturity. There are four movements the first of which is entitled Allegretto scherzando which is in a straightforward ABA form. The opening theme is lively and syncopated..
The string ensemble is divisi in the central slower section creating a rich texture. It is marked andante con tenerezza (tenderly)
SAMPLE: Allegretto scherzando from Idyll