Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Ralph Vaughan Williams with this remarkable album, "Williams: A Sea Symphony / Music from the Wasps." Released on January 1, 2000, under the Maestoso label, this classical masterpiece is a testament to the composer's enduring legacy and his ability to evoke vivid imagery and deep emotion through his music.
The album is divided into two distinct yet equally compelling sections. The first half is dedicated to Vaughan Williams' monumental choral symphony, "A Sea Symphony." This four-movement work, inspired by the poetry of Walt Whitman, is a powerful exploration of the sea's vast and mysterious beauty. Each movement, from the expansive "A Song for All Seas, All Ships" to the introspective "On the Beach at Night Alone," offers a unique perspective on the sea's ever-changing moods and its profound impact on the human spirit.
The second half of the album features music from Vaughan Williams' incidental music for the play "The Wasps" by Aristophanes. This suite includes the lively "Overture," the whimsical "March Past of the Kitchen Utensils," and the enchanting "Ballet and Final Tableau." These pieces showcase Vaughan Williams' versatility and his ability to blend classical forms with a keen sense of drama and humor.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes, this album is a rich and rewarding listening experience that highlights the breadth and depth of Vaughan Williams' musical genius. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
2000 Maestoso2000 Maestoso
Tracks
A Sea Symphony: I. A song for all seas, all shipsRalph Vaughan Williams, Sir Adrian Boult, The London Philharmonic Chorus, Isobel Baillie, John Cameron, London Philharmonic Orchestra
A Sea Symphony: II. On the beach at night aloneRalph Vaughan Williams, Sir Adrian Boult, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Isobel Baillie, John Cameron, The London Philharmonic Chorus
A Sea Symphony: III. Scherzo / The WavesRalph Vaughan Williams, Sir Adrian Boult, Isobel Baillie, John Cameron, London Philharmonic Orchestra, The London Philharmonic Chorus
A Sea Symphony: IV. The Explorers, Pt. 1Ralph Vaughan Williams, Sir Adrian Boult, Isobel Baillie, John Cameron, The London Philharmonic Chorus, London Philharmonic Orchestra
A Sea Symphony: IV. The Explorers, Pt. 2Ralph Vaughan Williams, Sir Adrian Boult, The London Philharmonic Chorus, Isobel Baillie, John Cameron, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Wasps: OvertureRalph Vaughan Williams, Sir Adrian Boult, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Isobel Baillie, John Cameron, The London Philharmonic Chorus
The Wasps: Entr'acte, Pt. 1Ralph Vaughan Williams, Sir Adrian Boult, Isobel Baillie, John Cameron, London Philharmonic Orchestra, The London Philharmonic Chorus
The Wasps: March past of the kitchen utensilsRalph Vaughan Williams, Sir Adrian Boult, The London Philharmonic Chorus, Isobel Baillie, John Cameron, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Wasps: Entr'acte, Pt. 2Ralph Vaughan Williams, Sir Adrian Boult, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Isobel Baillie, John Cameron, The London Philharmonic Chorus
The Wasps: Ballet and final tableauRalph Vaughan Williams, Sir Adrian Boult, London Philharmonic Orchestra, John Cameron, The London Philharmonic Chorus, Isobel Baillie
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