A Song of Summer is derived from an unpublished 1918 symphonic work, originally called Poem of Life and Love.
[2] Delius resumed work on this composition after becoming blind, dictating the notes to his amanuensis, Eric Fenby.
Delius explained the context of the tone poem to Fenby by saying: "I want you to imagine we are sitting on the cliffs of heather and looking out over the sea.
The sustained chords in the high strings suggest the clear sky and stillness and calm of the scene...You must remember that figure that comes in the violins when the music becomes more animated.
"The tone poem lent its title to the TV film Song of Summer, directed by Ken Russell and first broadcast in 1968.