The Orchestral Poem writen in 1904 is one of the earliest works by John Ireland that he did not destroy in later life. It was never performed or published during his lifetime and had to wait until 1994 for its premiere in Lancaster, United Kingdom. While Ireland was not a prolific composer of orchestral works, he nevertheless knew how to write for one. The Orchestral Poem shows a young composer aware of his craft and he produced a work which readily stands alongside his more mature pieces.