Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of British classical music with "A Portrait of Vaughan Williams," a comprehensive collection of works by the esteemed composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. Released on January 1, 1999, this album spans an impressive four hours and is a testament to Vaughan Williams' diverse and profound musical contributions.
The album begins with "Overture: The Wasps," setting the stage for a journey through a variety of compositions that showcase Vaughan Williams' mastery of orchestral and chamber music. The tracklist includes some of his most celebrated works, such as "The Lark Ascending," a poignant and evocative piece for violin and orchestra, and the "Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis," a choral work that exemplifies his unique blend of traditional and modern elements.
Vaughan Williams' choral compositions are particularly highlighted in this collection, with the "Mass in G Minor" and "Te Deum" offering a profound spiritual experience. The album also features his chamber music, including the "String Quartet No.1 in G Minor" and "String Quartet No.2 in A Minor," which demonstrate his skill in writing for smaller ensembles.
Sacred and secular songs are interspersed throughout the album, providing a balanced exploration of Vaughan Williams' musical range. The "Three Shakespeare Songs" and "Sacred and Secular Songs" collections offer a glimpse into his ability to set text to music, creating pieces that are both lyrical and deeply expressive.
"Flos Campi" and "An Oxford Elegy" are among the more contemplative works included, showcasing Vaughan Williams' ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and melancholy. The album concludes with "The Old 100th," a familiar hymn tune that leaves the listener with a sense of resolution and peace.
Recorded by Nimbus Records, this collection is a must-listen for anyone interested in classical music, particularly the works of Ralph Vaughan Williams. Whether you are a seasoned fan or a newcomer to his music, "A Portrait of Vaughan Williams" offers a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the composer's extensive and varied body of work.
(C) 1999 Nimbus Records Limited
Tracks
Overture: The WaspsRalph Vaughan Williams, English String Orchestra, William Boughton
The Lark AscendingRalph Vaughan Williams, English String Orchestra, William Boughton
Fantasia On GreensleevesRalph Vaughan Williams, English String Orchestra, William Boughton
Oboe Concerto: I. Rondo PastoraleRalph Vaughan Williams, English String Orchestra, William Boughton
Oboe Concerto: II. Minuet And MusetteRalph Vaughan Williams, English String Orchestra, William Boughton
Oboe Concerto: III. ScherzoRalph Vaughan Williams, English String Orchestra, William Boughton
Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas TallisRalph Vaughan Williams, English String Orchestra, William Boughton
Five Variants of Dives and LazarusRalph Vaughan Williams, English String Orchestra, William Boughton
Mass in G Minor: KyrieRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Mass in G Minor: Gloria in excelsisRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Mass in G Minor: CredoRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Mass in G Minor: Sanctus Osanna I - Benedictus - Osanna IIRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Mass in G Minor: Agnus DeiRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Sacred and Secular Songs: Valiant-for-TruthRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Sacred and Secular Songs: The Blessed Son of GodRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Sacred and Secular Songs: No Sad Thought His Soul AffrightRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Sacred and Secular Songs: Lord, Thou Hast Been Our RefugeRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Sacred and Secular Songs: O Taste and SeeRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Three Shakespeare Songs: Full Fathom FiveRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Three Shakespeare Songs: The Cloud-Capp'd TowersRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Three Shakespeare Songs: Over Hill, Over DaleRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Phantasy Quintet: I. Prelude - Lento ma non troppoRalph Vaughan Williams, Medici String Quartet, William Boughton, Stephen Darlington
Phantasy Quintet: II. Scherzo - PrestissimoRalph Vaughan Williams, Medici String Quartet, William Boughton, Stephen Darlington
Phantasy Quintet: III. Alla Sarabanda - LentoRalph Vaughan Williams, Medici String Quartet, William Boughton, Stephen Darlington
Phantasy Quintet: IV. Burlesca - Allegro moderatoRalph Vaughan Williams, Medici String Quartet, William Boughton, Stephen Darlington
String Quartet No.1 in G Minor: I. Allegro moderatoRalph Vaughan Williams, Medici String Quartet, William Boughton, Stephen Darlington
String Quartet No.1 in G Minor: II. Minuet and Trio - Tempo di MinuettoRalph Vaughan Williams, Medici String Quartet, William Boughton, Stephen Darlington
String Quartet No.1 in G Minor: III. Romance - Andante sostenutoRalph Vaughan Williams, Medici String Quartet, William Boughton, Stephen Darlington
String Quartet No.1 in G Minor: IV. Finale: Rondo Capriccioso - Allegro moltoRalph Vaughan Williams, Medici String Quartet, William Boughton, Stephen Darlington
String Quartet No.2 in A Minor: I. Prelude - Allegro appassionatoRalph Vaughan Williams, Medici String Quartet, William Boughton, Stephen Darlington
String Quartet No.2 in A Minor: II. Romance - LargoRalph Vaughan Williams, Medici String Quartet, William Boughton, Stephen Darlington
String Quartet No.2 in A Minor: III. Scherzo - AllegroRalph Vaughan Williams, Medici String Quartet, William Boughton, Stephen Darlington
String Quartet No.2 in A Minor: IV. Epilogue - Andante sostenutoRalph Vaughan Williams, Medici String Quartet, William Boughton, Stephen Darlington
An Oxford ElegyRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Flos CampiRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Te DeumRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
O, Clap Your HandsRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
The Old 100thRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
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