Immerse yourself in the comprehensive symphonic world of Ralph Vaughan Williams with this extensive collection, featuring all nine of his symphonies, as well as insightful interviews and reminiscences. Released on January 1, 2007, by Chandos, this album is a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts, offering a deep dive into the composer's evocative and innovative works.
The album opens with Vaughan Williams' first symphony, "A Sea Symphony," a grand and sweeping work inspired by the sea, followed by "A London Symphony," which paints a vivid musical portrait of the bustling city. The "Pastoral Symphony" offers a serene and introspective journey, while the subsequent symphonies showcase Vaughan Williams' evolving style and mastery of orchestration.
Each symphony is a distinct exploration of themes and emotions, from the dramatic and powerful to the delicate and contemplative. Vaughan Williams' ability to blend traditional English folk music with modernist techniques is evident throughout, creating a unique and captivating sound.
In addition to the symphonies, the album includes a series of interviews and reminiscences, providing valuable context and personal insights into Vaughan Williams' life and work. These recordings feature the composer himself, as well as notable conductors and musicians who knew him, offering a fascinating glimpse into his creative process and the enduring impact of his music.
With a total runtime of over seven hours, this album is a substantial and rewarding listen, perfect for those looking to explore the full breadth of Vaughan Williams' symphonic output. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to his music, this collection is an essential addition to any classical music library.
2022 Chandos Records Ltd2007 Chandos Records Ltd
Tracks
Symphony No. 1 "A Sea Symphony": No. 1, A Song for All Seas, All ShipsRalph Vaughan Williams, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Susan Gritton, Gerald Finley, London Symphony Chorus
Symphony No. 1 "A Sea Symphony": No. 2, On the Beach at Night, AloneRalph Vaughan Williams, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Gerald Finley, London Symphony Chorus
Symphony No. 1 "A Sea Symphony": No. 3, Scherzo. The WavesRalph Vaughan Williams, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Symphony No. 1 "A Sea Symphony": No. 4, The ExplorersRalph Vaughan Williams, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Susan Gritton, Gerald Finley, London Symphony Chorus
Symphony No. 2 "A London Symphony": I. Lento - Allegro risolutoRalph Vaughan Williams, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 2 "A London Symphony": II. LentoRalph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox
Symphony No. 2 "A London Symphony": III. Scherzo. NocturneRalph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox
Symphony No. 2 "A London Symphony": IV. Andante con motoRalph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox
Symphony No. 3 "Pastoral Symphony": I. Molto moderatoRalph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox
Symphony No. 3 "Pastoral Symphony": II. Lento moderatoRalph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox
Symphony No. 3 "Pastoral Symphony": III. Moderato pesanteRalph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox
Symphony No. 3 "Pastoral Symphony": IV. LentoRalph Vaughan Williams, Rebecca Evans, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox
Symphony No. 4: I. AllegroRalph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox
Symphony No. 4: II. Andante moderatoRalph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox
Symphony No. 4: III. ScherzoRalph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox
Symphony No. 4: IV. Finale con Epilogo FugatoRalph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox
Symphony No. 5: I. PreludioRalph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox
Symphony No. 5: II. ScherzoRalph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox
Symphony No. 5: III. RomanzaRalph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox
Symphony No. 5: IV. PassacagliaRalph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox
Symphony No. 6: I. AllegroRalph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox
Symphony No. 6: II. ModeratoRalph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox
Symphony No. 6: III. ScherzoRalph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox
Symphony No. 6: IV. EpilogueRalph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox
I. PreludeRalph Vaughan Williams, Andrew Davis, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Mari Eriksmoen, Bergen Philharmonic Choir, Edvard Grieg Kor
II. ScherzoRalph Vaughan Williams, Andrew Davis, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Mari Eriksmoen, Bergen Philharmonic Choir, Edvard Grieg Kor
III. LandscapeRalph Vaughan Williams, Andrew Davis, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Mari Eriksmoen, Bergen Philharmonic Choir, Edvard Grieg Kor
IV. IntermezzoRalph Vaughan Williams, Andrew Davis, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Mari Eriksmoen, Bergen Philharmonic Choir, Edvard Grieg Kor
V. EpilogueRalph Vaughan Williams, Andrew Davis, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Mari Eriksmoen, Bergen Philharmonic Choir, Edvard Grieg Kor
Symphony No. 9: I. Moderato maestosoRalph Vaughan Williams, Andrew Davis, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Martin Winter
Symphony No. 9: II. Andante sostenutoRalph Vaughan Williams, Andrew Davis, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Martin Winter
Symphony No. 9: III. ScherzoRalph Vaughan Williams, Andrew Davis, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Martin Winter
Symphony No. 9: IV. Andante tranquilloRalph Vaughan Williams, Andrew Davis, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Martin Winter
Symphony No. 8: I. Fantasia. Variazioni senza temaRalph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox
Symphony No. 8: II. Scherzo alla marciaRalph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox
Symphony No. 8: III. CavatinaRalph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox
Symphony No. 8: IV. Toccata colle campanelleRalph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox
Ralph Vaughan Williams reminisces: No. 1, Broadcast IntroductionAnonymous, Radio Announcer
Ralph Vaughan Williams reminisces: No. 2, Lecture IntroductionAnonymous, Ralph Vaughan Williams
Ralph Vaughan Williams reminisces: No. 3, Ralph Vaughan Williams discusses ParryAnonymous, Ralph Vaughan Williams
Ralph Vaughan Williams reminisces: No. 4, Ralph Vaughan Williams discusses StanfordAnonymous, Ralph Vaughan Williams
Barbara Hooper interviews Sir John Barbirolli: Barbara Hooper interviews Sir John BarbirolliAnonymous, Sir John Barbirolli, Barbara Hooper
Robert Layton interviews Sir Adrian Boult: Robert Layton interviews Sir Adrian BoultAnonymous, Sir Adrian Boult, Robert Layton
Ursula Vaughan Williams reminisces: Ursula Vaughan Williams reminiscesAnonymous, Ursula Vaughn Williams
Vinylscout