The Forgotten Rite, written in 1913, was Ireland’s first mature work for full orchestra; Mai-Dun, written in 1920-21, the largest work without solo instrument. Ireland left no clue as to the precise nature of the primitive ritual embodied in The Forgotten Rite; but like his piano piece ‘The Scarlet Ceremonies’ it was probably suggested by the writings of Arthur Machen. The virile writing for orchestra in Mai-Dun owes much to the practical experience gained when Ireland was a pupil of ‘that great...