Many of Delius' works are visual in character, so much so that they can be discussed in terms more closely associated with painting: hues, highlights, shadow, perspective. In the composer's In a Summer Garden (1908-1909), the scene in question is Delius' own garden in Grez-sur-Loing, France. Despite the full-sized orchestral forces called for, Delius deploys the instruments in a manner that produces the effect of a chamber work.

In a Summer Garden opens with a chant-like tune for wind quintet, echoed by strings; the oboe part includes a flitting phrase that proves important to the rhythmic development of the entire work. The orchestra introduces a more spacious melody in the violas. As a nearby river comes into view, horns and trumpets herald a brief, rapturous climax that slowly winds down to shadowed harmonies as the aestival vision fades away.

© All Music Guide