Dive into the rich tapestry of classical music with "Leopold Stokowski Conducts Vaughan Williams, Butterworth & Antheil," a captivating album released on April 26, 2019, under the Signum-Cala label. This collection, featuring the NBC Symphony Orchestra, showcases the masterful conducting of Leopold Stokowski and the brilliant compositions of Ralph Vaughan Williams, George Butterworth, and George Antheil.
The album opens with Ralph Vaughan Williams' Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, a powerful and introspective work dedicated to Arnold Bax. This symphony stands out from Vaughan Williams' earlier works, as it lacks a descriptive title, allowing the music to speak for itself. The symphony is presented in its entirety, including the rarely heard Epilogo fugato: Con anima, providing a comprehensive experience of Vaughan Williams' vision.
In addition to the Symphony No. 4, the album features a 1942 recording of the same symphony, offering a unique opportunity to compare different interpretations of the same work. The album also includes George Butterworth's evocative song cycle "A Shropshire Lad," adding a touch of lyrical beauty to the collection.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, this album is a testament to the enduring appeal of classical music. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a compelling introduction to the works of Vaughan Williams, Butterworth, and Antheil, as interpreted by the legendary Leopold Stokowski. The album is a great addition to any classical music collection.
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