Immerse yourself in the rich, diverse musical landscape of Ralph Vaughan Williams with "A Portrait of Vaughan Williams," a comprehensive four-disc collection released by Nimbus Records in January 1999. This extensive compilation showcases the breadth of Vaughan Williams' compositional genius, spanning his works from overtures and concertos to choral pieces and chamber music.
The album features a stunning array of performances conducted by Ralph Vaughan Williams himself, along with Stephen Darlington and William Boughton. It includes iconic works such as "The Lark Ascending," "Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis," and the monumental "Mass in G Minor," as well as lesser-known gems like "Flos Campi" and "An Oxford Elegy." The collection also highlights Vaughan Williams' choral mastery with pieces like "Te Deum" and "O, Clap Your Hands," and his chamber music prowess with the "String Quartet No.1 in G Minor" and "String Quartet No.2 in A Minor."
Born in Gloucestershire, Vaughan Williams studied with notable composers such as Parry, Bruch, and Ravel, and his influence on English music is profound. This album is a testament to his enduring legacy, offering a deep dive into his creative output. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his music, "A Portrait of Vaughan Williams" provides an enriching and enlightening exploration of one of the most significant figures in classical music. With a total duration of four hours, this collection is perfect for both casual listening and in-depth study.
(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