Bryden Thomson

On this CD:

1. Norfolk Rhapsody for orchestra No. 1 in E minor
Composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by David Nolan, Bryden Thomson

2. In the Fen Country, symphonic impression for orchestra
Composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by David Nolan, Bryden Thomson

3. Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, for 2 string orchestras
Composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by David Nolan, Bryden Thomson

4. Variants (5) of 'Dives and Lazarus' for string orchestra & harp (or harps)
Composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra with Skaila Kanga
Conducted by David Nolan, Bryden Thomson

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This disc could very well be subtitled "The Quiet Vaughan Williams"; aside from a couple of loud bangs in the "Norfolk Rhapsody," all of the this music is extremely relaxing after a hard day's work. The Tallis Fantasia, in particular, is just about the most beautiful piece of music ever composed for strings, and if you haven't heard it already, you need to grab this disc right away. You're in for a treat. Most of this music was inspired by English folk song or music of the Renaissance, and it's all so determinedly lovely you'd hardly believe it comes from this century. I won't tell if you won't. Thomson's performances are typically idiomatic, and Chandos's recorded sound is exceptional. --David Hurwitz

Amazon.com
Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) is the greatest of British composers. Like all of the great Romantic composers, Vaughan Williams was able to take local folk melodies, songs, and anonymous church music and turn them into heartbreaking masterpieces. Chandos has gone out of its way to publish most of Vaughan Williams's music and this is one of their best discs. On it are four soul-crushing, heart-rending works that speak volumes about the people who settled the British Isles. Get this. Now. ... read more

Tracks:

Fantasia on Greensleeves
English Folk Song Suite: I. March: Seventeen come Sunday
English Folk Song Suite: II. Intermezzo: My bonny boy
English Folk Song Suite: III. March: Folk songs from Somerset
Oboe Concerto: I. Rondo pastorale
Oboe Concerto: II. Minuet and musette
Oboe Concerto: III. Finale
Concerto Grosso: I. Intrada
Concerto Grosso: II. Burlesca ostinata
Concerto Grosso: III. Sarabande
Concerto Grosso: IV. Scherzo
Concerto Grosso: V. March and Reprise
Romance (for Harmonica, Strings & Piano)
The Lark Ascending (for Violin And Orchestra)

Tracks:

Five Variants of 'Dives and Lazarus'
Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1
Partita For Double String Orchestra: I. Prelude: Andante tranquillo
Partita For Double String Orchestra: II. Scherzo ostinato: Presto
Partita For Double String Orchestra: III. Intermezzo (Homage To Henry Hall)
Partita For Double String Orchestra: IV. Fantasia: Allegro
In the Fen Country
Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis

Customer Reviews:

Inspiring, noble, and also relaxing!.......2007-06-15

Hi. I am familiar with a lot of classical music. However, I knew little about the oeuvre of Vaughan Williams. What a great find! Getting so much of his instrumental work is truly a bargain. He evokes the English countryside and folk traditions very effectively. "The Lark Ascending" is relaxing while also being a virtuoso piece of work. Makes me wonder if J.R.R. Tolkien, with his love for rural England, ever attended a concert by Vaughan Williams...

Highly recommended! :)

Beautiful Music.......2007-01-29

Each piece on this CD is wonderful to listen to. My 2 year old daughter takes her nap everyday with this CD playing softly in the background. This CD is a great deal as it includes 2 CD's including Vaughan Williams: Fantasies; the Lark Ascending; Five Variants. Which is also a wonderful CD, we got it for 2 friends at our church. But better to get this CD with 2 CD's for the price of one. My favorite is Fanatasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis!

I love this composer.......2006-03-17

While not all his works are to my taste, his pastoral ones are so gorgeous that you don't really care that the more boisterous ones are wanting.

Balanced & Refined English Folk Song Adaptations.......2005-02-04

Vaughan Williams is certainly one of the consummate English composers who took the folk song of his country and compsed delightful orchestra works around them.

This budget worthy 2-CD set displays this in two parts, the first performed by the Acadamey of St.Martin in-the-Fields while the second disc features more period instruments with the New Queen's Hall Orchestra and the London Philharmonic.

Celia Nicklin is superb with the Oboe Concerto nusancing this pastoral yet lively offering. Iona Brown likewise contributes a fine solo violin performance with "The Lark Ascending"

The strings also provide a strong offering on the "Tallis Fantasia", one of his strongest compositions on this selection.

Excellent example of this prominent English composer's love with folk song interpretation, in this recording done passionately and naturally.

A great CD.......2004-02-10

English Folk Song Suit is one of my favorite pieces ever! I first heard the song when I played it in Windensambe. It's an exciting piece to play and to listen to. I would recommend this Cd to anyone with an intrest in great music.

Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis; Variants

Average customer rating:

A Sterling Compilation
A good program, woodenly played
Not just the more famous works
Excellent Vaughan Williams
Wonderful music, beautiful recordings

Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis; Variants

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Vaughan Williams: Serenade to Music; The Lark Ascending; Fantasia on Greensleeves; English Folk Song Suite; In the Fen Country; Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1
Vaughan Williams: Fantasies; The Lark Ascending; Five Variants
Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis; Fantasia on
Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis; Barber: Adagio for Strings; Grainger: Irish Tune from County
Ravel: Boléro / Ma Mère L'Oye (complete ballet) / Rapsodie espagnole / Une Barque sur l'océan / Alborada del Gracioso - Berliner Philharmoniker / Pierre Boulez

ASIN: B00000419V
Release Date: 1995-04-11

Tracks:

The Wasps
Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis
In The Fen Country
Variations For Orchestra
Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1 In E Minor
Five Variants Of 'Dives And Lazarus'

Amazon.com

This 1993 digital recording is not likely to be surpassed for warmth of conception and smoothness of execution. Sir Neville Marriner is at the top of his form, the interpretations are first rate, and the strings of the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields play with polish and great beauty. The recorded sound is superb. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

A Sterling Compilation.......2006-01-24

This recording features exquisite performances, flawless sound, and a very well-chosen program. A previous reviewer categorized the playing as "wooden," but I disagree; perhaps the sublime subtlety of some of these pieces struck that listener as being timidity on the part of the orchestra, especially after the rousing opener, the "Wasps Overture."

I own a number of Vaughan Williams recordings, but this compilation is by far my favorite [it is rarely out of my CD player]. The symphonies are masterworks and the multitudes of songs and choral works are very effecting, but these orchestral works are magnificent in their breadth of styles -- Vaughan Williams really knew how to make use of all the colors an orchestra can create, alternating from huge tuttis to quartet soli; he was a master of writing, for lack of a better phrase, "just the right amount of music" at any given moment, never afraid to have the majority of the orchestra tacet for dozens of bars so that simplicity may reign.

When I first got this CD, I was unfamiliar with the "Norfolk Rhapsody" or "In the Fen Country", but was soon very happy to have encountered them. Though this recording contains the oft-recorded Tallis Fantasia, this is by far the best reading of that magnificent work -- Marriner brilliantly gives all of Vaughan Williams' orchestration tricks their due, from the manipulation of using simultaneous unison and divisi writing to emphasize harmonics, to a striking short section of sustained chords played con sordino that sounds like a church organ; it's simply gorgeous and breathtaking. Above all, I'm grateful this recording does not include the Greensleeves Fantasia that seems to be on virtually every other Vaughan Williams recording.

This recording makes a superb introduction to Vaughan Williams for neophytes [I've gifted this CD to numerous people over the past few years]. Though British music has a reputation for being pretty but restrained, Vaughan Williams' works are passionate, extremely melodic, fetchingly harmonic, and at times achingly bittersweet. A passionate Englishman -- what a concept!

A good program, woodenly played.......2003-01-07

You'll want to buy this CD for the lively recording of Vaughan Williams' "The Wasps" overture--a surprisingly well-crafted piece from his undergraduate days at Cambridge. And overall, it's an interesting compilation of Vaughan Williams' shorter works for orchestra.

But by the time you get to the last track--the beautiful "Five Variants on Dives and Lazarus"--you run up against the limitations of Sir Neville Marriner, and his band, the Academy of St. Martins in the fields. Listen to this rendering, and then compare it with William Boughton and the English String Orchestra. You'll see how it's possible to play the notes in tune, with the correct rhythm, as written, and yet totally rob the piece of it's music.

Sir Neville is the most-recorded conductor ever(searching Amazon.com alone returns 551 hits)but you can't help but feel that he long ago gave up quality for quantity. With a lack of specialization, he has no distinctive "voice" as compared with, say, Sir Charles Mackerras has with his recordings of Mozart symphonies, or Harnoncourt achieved with ancient instruments.

Not just the more famous works.......2002-12-29

Sir Neville Marriner and the Academy of St Martins in the Fields presents a fine recording of one of Vaughn William's more famous works, along with a few lesser known and hardly played works.

Begining with "The Wasps", this collection of orchestral works by Vaughn Williams will satisfy even the more demanding listener. Marriner proves why he was knighted with his masterful rendition of Vaughn Williams' "Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis". His familiarity with Vaughn William's works continues thru renditions of "In the Fen Country", "Variations for Orchestra", the "Norfolk Rhapsody" and concluding with "Five Variations of Dives and Lazarus".

Vaughn Williams manages to evoke images of the English countryside he knew so well in many of the musical numbers on this disc. His "Norfolk Rhapsody" was originally meant to be a full symphony, but Vaughn Williams finally presented it in this form.

The only fault I found with this disc is that I thought it could have included Vaughn Williams' other famous work, "Fantasia on a Theme of Greensleeves", but that work, as well as "Thomas Tallis", get so much airplay that it is almost a relief to see a disc that does not include both works.

This totally digital recording belongs on the shelves of every classical music station as well as a look for other classical music libraries.

Excellent Vaughan Williams.......2002-03-27

I was unfamiliar with the majority of the pieces on this CD, which made it attractive for me. The music comes from widely spaced periods of Ralph Vaughan Williams's life (1903 to 1957). The familiar works, The Wasps and Thomas Tallis, are very well played by the Academy of St Martins in the Fields, as indeed are the other selections. I liked the phrasing in Tallis and The Wasps overture was played with great fun and spirit.

In the Fen Country, Norfolk Rhapsody (based on folk songs from Norfolk) and Five Variations of Dives and Lazarus recall Vaughan Williams's The Lark Ascending and his Third and Fifth symphonies. There are serene, bucolic works that have the feel of the English countryside in them. The Variations for Orchestra was written when the composer was 85 for wind band, but is played here in an orchestration by Gordon Jacobs. The variations recalling the then large-scale work the composer was writing - his Ninth symphony, but is even reminiscent of his Fifth.

To conclude, this is a disc of beautiful music well played by St. Martins in the Field, under their longtime conductor Neville Mariner. Not to be missed by lovers of Vaughan Williams's music.

Wonderful music, beautiful recordings.......2000-09-15

This CD is a delightful collection of some of Vaughan Williams' best-known and best-loved works. All of the recordings are superb, nothing less than what is expected of Marriner and the Academy. If there is any gripe at all, the earlier recording of the Thomas Tallis Fantasia by Marriner and AMSF (on the Argo label) has a little more of the "grab-you" effect when the full orchestra comes cascading in after the first pizzicato statement of the melody. Haitink's performance of the Norfolk Rhapsody (coupled with the Symphony #5) is a little more driven and striking... but folks, these are very minor points. All in all, you will be hard-pressed to find a more satisfying collection of these pieces. When you hear "the wasps" buzzing in the first 10 seconds of the CD, you will know you are in for a treat.

Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on Greensleeves; Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Fine Performances of RVW Favorites on a Hybrid SACD

Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on Greensleeves; Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0006IY4O4
Release Date: 2005-02-22

Customer Reviews:

Fine Performances of RVW Favorites on a Hybrid SACD.......2005-02-24

[The following review was previously posted almost two years ago for the plain vanilla CD of these performances. This, of course, is the hybrid SACD version. I compared the two versions and can say that the current issue on SACD is in much more brilliant and lifelike sound, as seems to be the case generally for SACD issues. Being a hybrid SACD, this issue can be played on either a regular CD player or a newer SACD player. Many classical music lovers who haven't yet bought an SACD player are nonetheless acquiring discs like this one in order to have them when they DO buy a newer machine. In my case, I do not own an SACD player and made my comparisons of the two versions of the disc using a friend's equipment. And I'm inching toward buying an SACD player for myself.]

There have certainly been many wonderful recordings of the popular short orchestral pieces of Ralph Vaughan Williams, among them those of Sir Adrian Boult and André Previn, favorites of many RVW fanciers. For someone coming to these pastoral classics for the first time, though, this issue deserves real consideration. Here we have the familiar and deservedly popular 'Fantasia on the Theme of Thomas Tallis,' and the 'Fantasia on Greensleeves,' the latter drawn from his sinfully neglected and utterly delightful opera, 'Sir John in Love.' There is also the somewhat less familiar 'Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1.' A good deal less well known to casual RVW listeners are the tone poem, 'In the Fen Country,' and the 'Concerto Grosso' for string orchestra. All of them are played here by one of the top orchestras Down Under, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra led by British conductor James Judd, whose recordings with this orchestra and the Florida Philharmonic have made his name familiar to discerning record collectors. I would particularly recommend his recording of the symphonies by New Zealand's pre-eminent composer, Douglas Lilburn, with the NZSO. If you like Sibelius, you'll like Lilburn.

But I digress. This issue deserves real praise. Even though this is a budget CD the performances are comparable to the top echelon of similar full-price releases, and are better than many of them. You can't go wrong here. The playing is nuanced, the sound is crystal clear. The wide dynamic range makes it possible to hear the utterly soft playing called for in, say, the Tallis Fantasia as well as the full climaxes in that and the other pieces. Recommended.

TT=60:26

Scott Morrison

Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on; Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis

Average customer rating:

A fine assemblage in Thomson's typical style
A Vaughan Williams Devotee
Partial Review

Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on; Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis; Fantasia on
Vaughan Williams: Serenade to Music; The Lark Ascending; Fantasia on Greensleeves; English Folk Song Suite; In the Fen Country; Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1
Vaughan Williams: Fantasies; The Lark Ascending; Five Variants

ASIN: B00002EPN3
Release Date: 1999-11-30

Tracks:

Norfolk Rhapsody No.1 In E Minor
In The Fen Country: Symphonic Impression
Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis
Five Variants Of 'Dives And Lazarus'
Fantasia On 'Greensleeves'
The Lark Ascending

Customer Reviews:

A fine assemblage in Thomson's typical style.......2007-02-09

Compared to Vaughan Williams specialists that capitalize on the bucolic nature of the Englishman's compositions, Bryden Thomson approaches his countryman differently. Based on evidence presented in his complete recording of Vaughan Williams symphonies, this disk and others, Thomson's interpretations tend to be more refined, linear and objective that conductors such as Boult, Previn, Barbirolli and Hickox, to whom Thomson relates most readily.

You can hear this pretty easily if you compare Thomson's opening item, the "Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1" -- which was originally part of three rhapsodies the composer was going to sink into a symphony -- against readings by any of the others mentioned.

Thomson's work eschews some of the atmospheric disturbance prevalent in Boult's work in both mono and stereo. His approach to "Five Variants on Dives and Lazarus" in judicious and relates the score but lacks the rustic appeal given it by the Abravanel-Utah Symphony Orchestra. And his version of "In the Fen Country" is less folksong than score reading.

Does Thomson's literal style diminish the music? That's mostly a matter of personal preference; I don't think so. I prefer Boult's monaural readings of half these scores (still available from Haydn House) to Thomson's recording but it doesn't render them deficient or second rate.

Thomson has proven he knows his way around a Vaughan Williams score and his style sometimes improves the product -- as it did with VW's Symphony No. 3, a piece almost always overinterpreted for unnecessary ethereal affect. The recordings here are very much in that vein -- outstanding projections of the Vaughan Williams scores in five of his most popular orchestral items. Vaughan Williams the way Vaughan Williams wrote the music, you might say, not the way others interpret it.

With good notes by Max Harrison, this well-filled (79:26) CD will bring joy and magic to anyone that will listen. Chandos' 1990 sound is a tad dated compared to modern SACD standards but still worthy. I'd like this CD a lot more if it was marketed and sold for a sticker price below $10, which would make it an outstanding value.

A Vaughan Williams Devotee.......2007-01-05

When I saw my five favorite V.W. short pieces on a good label with two fine orchestras, I took it as a 'must buy.' These are nearly flawless recordings, Bryden at his interpretive best. Michael Davis' violin gives us a spiritually evocative 'Lark Ascending.' And the incomparable 'Dives and Lazarus' variants speak with such exquisite poignancy it tests the limits of one's emotions. Adrian Boult would applaud.

You don't want to miss this one.

Partial Review.......1999-12-04

I first heard selection #3 on a movie I watched called, Rowing with the Wind, starring Hugh Grant and Elizabeth Hurley. The music was beautiful and haunting, and I couldn't forget it. When I looked for the soundtrack to the movie, I couldn't find one. This composer was mentioned, though, and his work. I can't wait to hear it again, and those of you who like this music should see the movie mentioned above. I am planning to rent it again.

Vaughan Williams: On Wenlock Edge; Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis; etc.

Average customer rating:

Vaughan Williams, the master of the folk art

Vaughan Williams: On Wenlock Edge; Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis; etc.

Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000DB55E
Release Date: 2005-07-13

Tracks:

Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis
Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1
The Lark Ascending
In The Fen Country
On Wenlock Edge - On Wenlock Edge
On Wenlock Edge - From Far, From Eve And Morning
On Wenlock Edge - Is My Team Ploughing
On Wenlock Edge - Oh, When I Was In Love With You
On Wenlock Edge - Bredon Hill
On Wenlock Edge - Clun

Customer Reviews:

Vaughan Williams, the master of the folk art.......2006-11-06

Vaughan Williams, like Holst, was famous for reviving the neglected folk songs of his country. In this CD he utilizes a theme from English Renaissance composer, Tallis and weaves it into a lush string serenade. Sara Chang performs a lovely interpretation of The Lark Ascending. Her light uninhibited sound evokes the sound and image of the lark soaring. Although I enjoyed Vaughan Williams' In The Fen Country and Norfolk Rhapsody, my favorite work by far was On Wenlock Edge. I had just heard Mr. Bostridge in a live performance of that work at Carnegie Hall and was eager to find a recording of it with him. His voice, nuanced and articulate, is perfect for this "original" folksong. Vaughan Williams is able to transport you to various places throughout the song cycle by way of text and orchestral effects. Highly recommended for anyone wanting an introduction to Vaughan Williams' music or standard repetoire by this often neglected composer. Enjoy!

Vaughan Williams, The Complete Symphonies

Average customer rating:

BEST COMPLETE SURVEY
Still the Best
As good as anyone needs--this isn't Beethoven
Consider Supplementing This Core Set
What's the hurry to have 'em all?

Vaughan Williams, The Complete Symphonies

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004YA0V
Release Date: 2000-11-07

Tracks:

I: A Song For All Seas, All Ships - London Philharmonic Choir
II: On The Beach At Night, Alone - London Philharmonic Choir
III: Scherzo: The Waves - London Philharmonic Choir
IV: The Explorers - London Philharmonic Choir
Symphony (Symphony No.1) - London Philharmonic Choir
Symphony (Symphony No.1) - London Philharmonic Choir
Symphony (Symphony No.1) - London Philharmonic Choir
Symphony (Symphony No.1) - London Philharmonic Choir
Symphony (Symphony No.1) - London Philharmonic Choir
Symphony (Symphony No.1) - London Philharmonic Choir
Symphony (Symphony No.1) - London Philharmonic Choir
Symphony (Symphony No.1) - London Philharmonic Choir
Symphony (Symphony No.1) - London Philharmonic Choir
Symphony (Symphony No.1) - London Philharmonic Choir
Symphony (Symphony No.1) - London Philharmonic Choir

Tracks:

Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis - London Philharmonic Orchestra
I: Lento - Allegro Risoluto - London Philharmonic Orchestra
II: Lento - London Philharmonic Orchestra
III: Scherzo (Nocturne): Allegro Vivace - London Philharmonic Orchestra
IV: Andante Con Moto - Maestoso Alla Marcia - London Philharmonic Orchestra

Tracks:

I: Molto Moderato - Margaret Price
II: Lento Moderato - Margaret Price
III: Moderato Pesante - Margaret Price
IV: Lento - Margaret Price
I: Preludio: Moderato - London Philharmonic Orchestra
II: Scherzo: Presto - London Philharmonic Orchestra
III: Romanza: Lento - London Philharmonic Orchestra
IV: Passacaglia: Moderato - London Philharmonic Orchestra

Tracks:

I: Allegro - New Philharmonia Orchestra
II: Andante Moderato - New Philharmonia Orchestra
III: Scherzo: Allegro Molto - New Philharmonia Orchestra
IV: Finale Con Epilogo Fugato: Allegro Molto - New Philharmonia Orchestra
I: Allegro - New Philharmonia Orchestra
II: Moderato - New Philharmonia Orchestra
III: Scherzo: Allegro Vivace - New Philharmonia Orchestra
IV: Epilogue: Moderato - New Philharmonia Orchestra

Tracks:

I: Prelude: Andante Maestoso - London Philharmonic Choir
II: Scherzo: Moderato - London Philharmonic Choir
III: Landscape: Lento - London Philharmonic Choir
IV: Intermezzo: Andante Sostenuto - London Philharmonic Choir
V: Epilogue: Alla Marcia - London Philharmonic Choir
I: Overture - London Philharmonic Orchestra
II: Entr'acte - London Philharmonic Orchestra
III: March Past Of The Kitchen Utensils - London Philharmonic Orchestra
IV: Entr'acte - London Philharmonic Orchestra
V: Ballet And Final Tableau - London Philharmonic Orchestra

Tracks:

I: Fantasia (Variazioni Senza Tema) - London Philharmonic Orchestra
II: Scherzo Alla Marcia - London Philharmonic Orchestra
III: Cavatina - London Philharmonic Orchestra
IV: Toccata - London Philharmonic Orchestra
I: Moderato Maestoso - London Philharmonic Orchestra
II: Andante Sostenuto - London Philharmonic Orchestra
III: Scherzo: Allegro Pesante - London Philharmonic Orchestra
IV: Andante Tranquillo - London Philharmonic Orchestra

Tracks:

Serenade To Music - Norma Burrowes
In The Fen Country - New Philharmonia Orchestra
The Lark Ascending - Hugh Bean
Norfolk Rhapsody No.1 - New Philharmonia Orchestra
English Folk Song Suite - London Symphony Orchestra
Fantasia On 'Greensleeves' - London Symphony Orchestra
Untitled - London Symphony Orchestra
Untitled - London Symphony Orchestra

Tracks:

I: Toccata: Allegro Moderato - Victor Babin
II: Romanza: Lento - Victor Babin
III: Fuga Chromatica (Allegro) Con - Victor Babin
Finale Alla Tedesca - Victor Babin
Introduction - London Symphony Orchestra
Sarabande Of The Sons Of God - London Symphony Orchestra
Satan's Dance Of Triumph - London Symphony Orchestra
Minuet Of The Sons Of Job And Their Wives - London Symphony Orchestra
Job's Dream - London Symphony Orchestra
Dream Of The Three Messengers - London Symphony Orchestra
Dance Of Job's Comforters - London Symphony Orchestra
Elihu's Dance Of Youth And Beauty - London Symphony Orchestra
Pavane Of The Sons Of The Morning - London Symphony Orchestra
Galliard Of The Sons Of The Morning - London Symphony Orchestra
Altar Dance - London Symphony Orchestra
Epilogue - London Symphony Orchestra

Amazon.com

Adrian Boult's credentials in this repertoire are unassailable, and to have nearly all his stereo Vaughan Williams recordings for EMI so elegantly packaged and enticingly priced will be incentive enough for many a prospective purchaser. There's much to treasure here, not least those gently perceptive accounts of the first three symphonies, as well as the Fifth and the Ninth. All the same, the fires burned more brightly on Boult's earlier mono cycle for Decca, and there's some oddly listless orchestral playing to contend with in both the Sinfonia Antarctica and the Eighth, especially. The Fourth and Sixth, too, find the New Philharmonia in less than ideally tidy form. The disc of shorter orchestral items and the gorgeous Serenade to Music offer mostly unbridled pleasure (with Hugh Bean a memorably serene soloist in The Lark Ascending), as does Boult's fourth and final recording of Job, though here, too, tension levels are markedly lower than on either of his mono versions. No matter, for all its ups and downs, the present anthology undoubtedly offers fine value for the money. --Andrew Achenbach

Customer Reviews:

BEST COMPLETE SURVEY.......2006-07-14

The VW symphonies have done remarkably well on disc. Complete cycles by Previn, Haitink and Tod Handley all make substantial claims. Individual symphonies from Richard Hickox, Andrew Davis, Vaughan Williams himself and, of course, 'Glorious John' Barbirolli (as VW christened him) also demand attention. But, if you're looking for a complete overview of the Vaughan Williams symphonic canon (plus quite a lot of substantial extras) then this Boult set is probably still the best all-round recommendation.

Even he has a substantial rival in his earlier self on Decca, conducted under the gaze of the composer who delivers a touching speech of thanks to the players at the end of the pianissimo finale of the Sixth Symphony. This earlier Decca version probably has the edge for urgency and thrust in the quicker movements, but the sound on these later discs benefits enormously from the full warm stereo production typical of EMI in the 70's and also benefits from Sir Adrian's lifetime experience of these works.

In many ways, it is the earlier symphonies that come off best in this series. A wonderfully full-blooded Sea Symphony with a finely disciplined chorus, excellent soloists in John Carol Case and Sheila Armstrong (though she can't eclipse the magical Isobel Baillie in the older Boult set), and a rich Kingsway Hall acoustic get the set off to a fine start. The London Symphony was always special with Boult: he managed to achieve an ideal balance of symphonic thought with the touches of Edwardian period colour. The jingles of the hansom cab in the London fog and the cries of the street vendors come off particularly well here. But don't ignore Hickox's magnificent recording of the substantially longer original version. The Pastoral, too, is beautifully sustained in Boult's hands: the succession of slow, mostly quiet movements always glows with Pastoral intensity for him. Maybe his disciple, Vernon Handley, penetrates deeper into the dark echoes of the composer's experiences as an ambulance driver in the Great War.

The Fourth - "I don't know if I like it, but it's what I meant," in VW's famous quote - is full of barely restrained power, but perhaps would benefit from a bit more urgency at times. The Fifth, arguably the most symphonic of all the symphonies despite the Pilgrim's Progress origins of much of its material, gets an authentically profound performance with the LPO. Maybe we are closer to the Pilgrim origins here than to the symphonic arguments behind their transformations. There is serious competition in this symphony from Barbirolli (his 1st recording), from Haitink and from Handley. Haitink is the most 'symphonic', Barbirolli the most impassioned, Handley probably the most balanced.

The Sixth is fine, suitably violent and desolate by turns, but doesn't quite match Boult's blistering earlier recording. The Antarctica is curiously lack-lustre here - Haitink's is the revelatory performance of this symphony. The Eighth has always seemed to be the special domain of its dedicatee, Barbirolli, who had the key to unlocking its mixture of wild and wonderful orchestration (including "all the 'phones and 'spiels known to the composer") with cryptic symphonic argument. The enigmatic Ninth seems to elude most conductors, including Boult here. Handley comes closest to revealing its dark Hardyesque mysteries.

There are two additional discs of extra stuff, all beautifully played. Specially noteworthy are a Serenade to Music that comes close to matching Henry Wood's original line-up of soloists, Hugh Bean as a magically carolling Lark Ascending, a real rarity in the Double Piano Concerto and a great Job, perhaps the VW work closest to Boult's heart.

This set is excellent value for money and, for a complete collection of the symphonies, probably the best all-round recommendation - though Tod Handley runs it pretty close. Maybe the bonus items tip the balance Boult's way.

Still the Best.......2006-03-20

Done more than 30 years ago, these recordings are still the best available of Ralph Vaughan Williams' orchestral music. The sound is here and there a little dated, but usually strongly competitive with present digital recordings. And the musicianship -- the wisdom of Adrian Boult and the high level of playing and singing -- really carry the day. Teaching a Lifelong Learning Institute on 20th Century Romantic composers this winter, I not only recommended but urged the participants to buy this set.

Vaughan Williams is one of the finest symphonists ever -- a thorough-going craftsman -- whose music connects the English countryside of a hundred years ago to the agonies of war and uproar of the century just past. People will be listening to this music long after the academics have come and gone; and this recording will still be the benchmark.

As good as anyone needs--this isn't Beethoven.......2005-11-01

The British are admirable loyalists when it comes to their own composers. Symphonies by Bax, Arnold, Rubbra, Simpson, and others that are nevre played in the U.S. are daily fare to music lovers in the UK, which heated discussion about the best versions. By comparison, how much do American music lovers argue over the symphonies of William Schuman, Roy Harris, Roger Sessions, Leonard Bernstein, John Harbison, or champion of them all, with symphonies by the dozen, Alan Hovhaness?

Of the British crop, the only works that cross the Atlantic with any frequency are Elgar Sym. #1, Walton Sym. #1, and a handful of the Vaughan Williams nine. Boult's second set of the VW symphonies, in stereo for EMI as opposed to mono for Decca, is all anybody really needs. Some of the performances have been bettered individually--one thinks of Handley's VW First, Bernstein's Fourth, Barbirolli's Second, Stokowski's Fourth and Sixth--but these symphonies aren't masterpieces. Boult has a fine orchestra in the London Phil. and good analog sound from EMI; his readings are dramatic and interesting, if not always deep.

If this were a Beethoven cycle, I'd want three or four alternative sets. Here it's not necessary. You can own all of VW's symphonic output and be assured that each reading is good enough to do justice to the music. Of course, this won't stop British enthusiasts, but for Americans time might be better spent uncovering the shamefully neglected symphonic past--and present--of our native composers.

Consider Supplementing This Core Set .......2005-02-23

My first exposure to V W's symphonies happened back in the 1970's courtesy of Boult's earlier recordings (#1-8 on London and Decca LPs, and #9 on an Everest LP). Later I acquired all of Boult's stereo recordings on Angel LPs. Here we have the latter recordings in their best-ever transfers. Despite strong competition from Handley (EMI) and Previn (RCA), I feel that over-all this Boult set (Boult II) remains THE one to own in good stereo sound. However, Boult's earlier set (Boult I - now available on Decca CDs in top-notch transfers) features even better performances of Symphonies 4, 6 and 9. I own them both, along with a few individual symphony readings by other conductors. Here's a brief summary of the performances:

#1. I won't mince words here: This Sea Symphony is absolutely dazzling, the finest I have ever heard. Boult I was also pretty extraordinary, but Boult II's superb stereo sound and slightly stronger vocal line-up make it a clear first choice.

#2. Boult I is a more energetic performance than Boult II. Sonically, however, Boult II offers a far more vivid listening experience. I am also rather fond of Barbirolli's first recording (on Dutton, paired with his magnificent 8th). My favorite "live" 2nd is a superb Malcolm Sargent reading, available only in an expensive 10-disc set from the Chicago Symphony. That set is well worth owning: it also contains what I feel are the finest-ever recordings of three great Third Symphonies (Mahler's, Prokofiev's and Roussel's), in readings by (respectively) Martinon, Kondrashin and Munch.

#3. Boult II is my favorite here, just ahead of Previn (RCA).

#4. Boult II simply lacks the incredible rhythmic snap and commitment of Boult I, which is my favorite account along with the Stokowski (Cala) and the composer himself (Dutton, paired with Barbirolli's fine 5th). In V W's own reading, the influence of the composer's contemporaries (especially Honegger, Janacek and Roussel) sounds more noticeable than in any other recording.

#5. Boult I and II are both excellent. Despite II's better sound, I think I prefer I's greater exuberance (especially in the 2nd mvt.) Likewise, I am very fond of both Barbirolli readings (Dutton and EMI), but retain a slight preference for the mono Dutton (which also has V W's own hell-for-leather rendition of the 4th).

#6. Boult I is far better than the slightly soggy Boult II: the former is my favorite performance of the work, despite the mono sound. At the end is a touching little speech given by the composer, in which he thanks Boult and the orchestra for their incredible pianissimo playing in the Epilogue: Indispensable. In stereo, the inexpensive Bakels (Naxos) is excellent.

#7. It's almost a toss-up here, but Boult II ultimately wins out on the basis of sound. But Boult I is no sonic slouch, and Sir John Gielgud's stately narration is a handsome dividend.

#8. Here I feel that, while Boult II is clearly superior to Boult I, neither comes even close to matching the classic first studio recording by Barbirolli, to whom the work is dedicated. The latter is coupled on Dutton with Barbirolli's fine #2 (both in stereo). Barbirolli's studio effort is FAR better played than his live 8th on BBC Legends.

#9. Boult I, this time in clear stereo sound (licensed from Everest), is in every way superior to Boult II, which is curiously detached. Unfortunately, the excellent "Job: A Masque for Dancing" that was Everest's discmate has not been retained. That's a pity: nobody ever did it better, although the Boult II is very satisfying.

All of the smaller works included on Boult II (the Boult I set has just the 9 symphonies) receive fine performances. Especially noteworthy is the Serenade to Music: it even eclipses the classic first-ever recording by Sir Henry Wood (on Dutton). In the Tallis Variations, there are wonderful versions worth hearing from Silvestri (EMI), Stokowski (Bridge) and Barbirolli (EMI). Silvestri also recorded a superlative Wasps (EMI).

If recorded sound is your uppermost concern, then Boult II will prove the more satisfying. But if you want to hear Boult's V W interpretations at their finest, then owning both sets becomes essential.

What's the hurry to have 'em all?.......2003-09-24

This is a "bargain," sort of. But Ralph Vaughan Williams is not Beethoven; unless one is VW "completist" one doesn't really need the unifying vision of a great conductor in a recorded cycle of all nine symphonies with the same orchestra. So it's worthwhile & fun to assemble a VW cycle from a variety of sources. I recommend unreservedly the ethereal Boult #3 & #5 (the former with lovely Brit soprano Margaret Price), & his Job Masque & #9 on Everest (the latter recorded the day after VW died). Actually, any of the recordings in this set are fine. But there are others equally accomplished or even better: Hickox & Bryden Thomson on Chandos; Andre Previn on RCA (Sea Symphony with Heather Harper & John Shirley-Quirk); Kees Bakels on low-priced Naxos; Andrew Davis & the BBC Orchestra on Elektra; Bernard Haitink on Angel/Emi; Vernon Handley & the Royal Liverpool on whatever label is issuing them now; orchestra isn't great but the conductor is insightful. Plus the superb David Lloyd-Jones recording of Job for Naxos. There's a couple of stereo Barbirolli peformances out there, too. Because of his creative alliance with the composer, Boult set the base standard for these symphonies, especially in his historic mono recordings, but that doesn't mean he owns them; & in any case he was quite old by the time good stereo sound arrived. & you'll want "high fidelity," not an ancient artifact. Collect your first Mahler & Bruckner cycles the same way. What's the hurry to have 'em all? Have fun with your purchases.

Tracks:

Fantasia On A Theme Of Thomas Tallis
Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1
In The Fen Country
Fantasia On Greensleeves
Intrada
Burlesca Ostinata
Sarabande
Scherzo
March And Reprise

Customer Reviews:

Almost perfect.......2007-03-13

Wonderful except as in most recordings these days, have to keep adjusting the volumn for quiet sections of the movement and then again when blasted by the crescendo's.

An Excellent Recording of Some of Vaughan Williams Finest Work.......2005-12-06

As one listens to the opening bars of the Norfolk Rhapsody, there is no doubt that this is Vaughan Williams in his finest form. The work is unmistakably British in character and is fueled by folk melodies throughout. The Rhapsody opens with a very simple, calm theme and Vaughan Williams develops the work through masterful orchestration into a hauntingly beautiful, immensly satisfing song that is truly touching. This gives way to an energetic dance that is very pleasing and, as with all inspiration for this piece, unmistakably British folk music. The work returns to its original thematic material and draws to a close very beautifully. It is a very satisfying work that never fails to please a listener.

The Fantasia on Greenesleeves is also a fantastic work that glories in its simplicity. A furtive opening in the flute and oboe set the stage for a beatiful treatment of the old Greensleeves melody. Upon the end of the first presentation of the Greensleeves tune, he gives us a contrasting melody that, like the Norfolk Rhaposdy and the Greensleeves tune itself, is rooted in British folk song. It is a wonderful melody and is a very beautiful combination with the Greensleeves melody. Vaughan Williams finishes with a return of Greenesleeves. Its beauty is ver much due to its utter simplicity throughout. Scored for a very small orchestra, Vaughan Williams proves that he is a master of orchestration - he truly found the perfect combination of instruments for this work. It is altogether one of the most beautiful treatments of a popular Christmas carol and deserves to be on every Holiday Concert program!

The Fantasia on a theme of Thomas Tallis is perhaps Vaughan Williams most beautiful work, haunting, majestic, and uplifting all at once. His writing for string orchestra here is unparalleled and never ceases to amaze. This work is scored for a soli string quartet, a full size string orchestra, and a second string orchestra consisting of a single muted desk from each section. He uses them all to great effect and captivates the listener brilliantly. This work will give you chills when you hear it for the first time, and every time thereafter.

This recording is splendid and does these works great justice. I have not commented on every work contained in this recording but all are wonderful and beautifully performed. I highly recommend this recording to any lover of British music, Vaughan Williams, and great music in general. No music library is complete without these works, particularly the Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis.

Fine Performances of RVW Favorites at Budget Price.......2003-08-08

There have certainly been many wonderful recordings of the popular short orchestral pieces of Ralph Vaughan Williams, among them those of Sir Adrian Boult and André Previn, favorites of many RVW fanciers. For someone coming to these pastoral classics for the first time, though, this issue deserves real consideration. Here we have the familiar and deservedly popular 'Fantasia on the Theme of Thomas Tallis,' and the 'Fantasia on Greensleeves,' the latter drawn from his sinfully neglected and utterly delightful opera, 'Sir John in Love.' There is also the somewhat less familiar 'Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1.' A good deal less well known to casual RVW listeners are the tone poem, 'In the Fen Country,' and the 'Concerto Grosso' for string orchestra. All of them are played here by one of the top orchestras Down Under, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra led by British conductor James Judd, whose recordings with this orchestra and the Florida Philharmonic have made his name familiar to discerning record collectors. I would particularly recommend his recording of the symphonies by New Zealand's pre-eminent composer, Douglas Lilburn, with the NZSO. If you like Sibelius, you'll like Lilburn.

But I digress. This issue deserves real praise. Even though this is a budget CD the performances are comparable to the top echelon of similar full-price releases, and are better than many of them. You can't go wrong here. The playing is nuanced, the sound is crystal clear. The wide dynamic range makes it possible to hear the utterly soft playing called for in, say, the Tallis Fantasia as well as the full climaxes in that and the other pieces. Recommended.

TT=60:26

Tracks:

Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis
Norfolk Rhapsody No.1
The Lark Ascending
Fantasia On Greensleeves
Five Variants of 'Dives and Lazarus'
In The Fen Country

Customer Reviews:

Take me away, Vaughan Wiiliams........2000-01-29

I am pleased to report that I have acquired what Jim Svejda calls "the gentle addiction of Ralph Vaughan Williams's music." The music contained on this CD is lush without being sloppy. I purchased it mainly for "The Lark Ascending," and I am very pleased with Wordsworth's tempi and clarity; e.g., as compared to Previn's recording. But my heart soared when I heard the CD's sumptuous recording of "Five Variants of 'Dives and Lazarus.'" The rendition is breathtaking and the sound is rich and full. The "Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis" is very good, but I prefer Slatkin's version. In sum, if my CD collection is ever destroyed or stolen, this if one of the first CDs that I will purchase again.

Ralph Vaughan Williams: Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1 in E minor / In the Fen Country / Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis / 5 Variants of "Dives and Lazarus" - London Philharmonic Orchestra / Bryden Thomson

Average customer rating:

Ralph Vaughan Williams: Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1 in E minor / In the Fen Country / Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis / 5 Variants of "Dives and Lazarus" - London Philharmonic Orchestra / Bryden Thomson
David Nolan , Bryden Thomson , Skaila Kanga , and London Philharmonic Orchestra
Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Norfolk Rhap No.1 in e
In The Fen Country: Symphonic Impression
Fant On A Theme By Thomas Tallis
5 Vars Of 'Dives And Lazarus'

Amazon.com

This disc could very well be subtitled "The Quiet Vaughan Williams"; aside from a couple of loud bangs in the "Norfolk Rhapsody," all of the this music is extremely relaxing after a hard day's work. The Tallis Fantasia, in particular, is just about the most beautiful piece of music ever composed for strings, and if you haven't heard it already, you need to grab this disc right away. You're in for a treat. Most of this music was inspired by English folk song or music of the Renaissance, and it's all so determinedly lovely you'd hardly believe it comes from this century. I won't tell if you won't. Thomson's performances are typically idiomatic, and Chandos's recorded sound is exceptional. --David Hurwitz

Amazon.com

Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) is the greatest of British composers. Like all of the great Romantic composers, Vaughan Williams was able to take local folk melodies, songs, and anonymous church music and turn them into heartbreaking masterpieces. Chandos has gone out of its way to publish most of Vaughan Williams's music and this is one of their best discs. On it are four soul-crushing, heart-rending works that speak volumes about the people who settled the British Isles. Get this. Now. --Paul Cook

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