Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of 20th-century British classical music with the Philharmonia Orchestra's captivating album, "20th Century Britain: Elgar, Britten & Vaughan Williams." Released on April 10, 2014, this extensive collection spans over seven hours and twenty-four minutes, offering a profound exploration of the works by three of Britain's most celebrated composers.
The album is a testament to the Philharmonia Orchestra's virtuosity, featuring a diverse range of compositions that showcase the depth and breadth of Elgar, Britten, and Vaughan Williams' contributions to the classical genre. From the sweeping grandeur of Elgar's symphonies to the intricate nuances of Britten's string quartets and the pastoral elegance of Vaughan Williams' orchestral pieces, each track is a masterclass in composition and performance.
Highlights include Elgar's Symphony No. 1 in A-Flat Major, Op. 55, a monumental work that exemplifies the composer's ability to blend romanticism with a distinctly British sensibility. Britten's String Quartet No. 3, Op. 94, is another standout, showcasing the composer's innovative approach to form and structure. Vaughan Williams' contributions, such as the enchanting "The Lark Ascending," demonstrate his unique ability to capture the essence of the British landscape in music.
The Philharmonia Orchestra's performance is nothing short of breathtaking, with each note meticulously crafted to bring out the emotional depth and technical brilliance of these compositions. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that highlights the enduring legacy of these three great composers.
(C) 2014 Ameritz Music Ltd.
Tracks
Symphony No. 1 in A-Flat Major, Op. 55: I. Andante nobilmenteEdward Elgar, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Symphony No. 1 in A-Flat Major, Op. 55: II. Allegro moltoEdward Elgar, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
String Quartet in D Major: II. Lento ed espressivo -Benjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
String Quartet in E Minor, Op. 83: III. Allegro moltoEdward Elgar, Britten Quartet
Film Music for Henry V. 2 Pieces for Strings: No. 2. Touch her soft lips and partWilliam Walton, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Kenneth Sillito, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
String Quartet No. 3, Op. 94: III. Solo: Very calm - LivelyBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
Simple Symphony, Op. 4 (arr. for String Quartet): III. Sentimental SarabandeBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
Simple Symphony, Op. 4 (arr. for String Quartet): II. Playful PizzicatoBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
String Quartet No. 3, Op. 94: V. Recitative and passacaglia (La serenissima)Benjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
String Quartet No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25: II. Allegretto con slancioBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
String Quartet No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25: I. Andante sostenuto - Allegro vivoBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
Simple Symphony, Op. 4 (arr. for String Quartet): IV. Frolicsome FinaleBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
In the South Overture, Op. 50, "Alassio":Edward Elgar, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
String Quartet in E Minor, Op. 83: I. Allegro moderatoEdward Elgar, Britten Quartet
String Quartet in E Minor, Op. 83: II. PiacevoleEdward Elgar, Britten Quartet
Violin Concerto in B Minor, Op. 61: II. AndanteEdward Elgar, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra
String Quartet No. 2 in C Major, Op. 36: I. Allegro calmo senza rigoreBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
String Quartet No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25: III. Andante calmoBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
String Quartet No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25: IV. Molto vivaceBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
String Quartet No. 2 in C Major, Op. 36: III. Chacony: SostenutoBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
String Quartet No. 3, Op. 94: II. Ostinato: Very fastBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
String Quartet No. 3, Op. 94: I. Duets: With moderate movementBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
String Quartet No. 2 in C Major, Op. 36: II. VivaceBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
Film Music for Henry V. 2 Pieces for Strings: No. 1. Death of FalstaffWilliam Walton, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Kenneth Sillito, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Violin Concerto: III. VivaceWilliam Walton, Salvatore Accardo, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra
Simple Symphony, Op. 4 (arr. for String Quartet): I. Boisterous BoureeBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
String Quartet in D Major: I. Allegro maestoso -Benjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
String Quartet in D Major: III. Allegro giocosoBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
Violin Concerto in B Minor, Op. 61: III. Allegro moltoEdward Elgar, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 in A-Flat Major, Op. 55: IV. Lento - AdagioEdward Elgar, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Mont Juic, Op. 12: III. Lament: Andante moderato (Britten, Op. 12, No. 1)Benjamin Britten, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Louis Frémaux
Mont Juic, Op. 12: II. Allegro grazioso (Berkeley, Op. 9, No. 2)Benjamin Britten, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Louis Frémaux
Violin Concerto in B Minor, Op. 61: I. AllegroEdward Elgar, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 5 in D Major: III. Romanza: LentoRalph Vaughan Williams, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Symphony No. 1: IV. Maestoso: Allegro brioso ed ardentementeWilliam Walton, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Louis Frémaux
String Quartet in A Minor: II. PrestoWilliam Walton, Britten Quartet
Violin Concerto: I. Andante tranquilloWilliam Walton, Salvatore Accardo, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 1: II. Presto con maliziaWilliam Walton, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Louis Frémaux
Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis:Ralph Vaughan Williams, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Robert Haydon Clark, Consort of London
Symphony No. 6 in E Minor: IV. Epilogue: ModeratoRalph Vaughan Williams, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
String Quartet in A Minor: IV. Allegro moltoWilliam Walton, Britten Quartet
Oboe Concerto in A Minor: II. Minuet and Musette: Allegro moderatoRalph Vaughan Williams, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Robert Haydon Clark, Consort of London
The Lark Ascending:Ralph Vaughan Williams, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Robert Haydon Clark, Consort of London
Symphony No. 1 in A-Flat Major, Op. 55: III. AdagioEdward Elgar, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Fantasia on Greensleeves (arr. R. Greaves):Ralph Vaughan Williams, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Robert Haydon Clark, Consort of London
Symphony No. 1: I. Allegro assaiWilliam Walton, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Louis Frémaux
String Quartet in A Minor: I. AllegroWilliam Walton, Britten Quartet
String Quartet in A Minor: III. LentoWilliam Walton, Britten Quartet
Oboe Concerto in A Minor: III. Finale (Scherzo): Presto - Doppio piu lento - Lento - PrestoRalph Vaughan Williams, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Robert Haydon Clark, Consort of London