Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of English folk music with Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Folk Songs, Vol. 2." Released on March 26, 2021, under the Albion label, this classical album is a testament to Vaughan Williams' deep appreciation and mastery of traditional folk melodies. Spanning a concise 56 minutes, the album features a collection of 20 tracks, each a gem of English musical heritage.
The album opens with nine folk songs from the Southern Appalachian Mountains, meticulously edited by C. Sharp. These tracks, ranging from "The Rich Old Lady" to "The Twelve Apostles," offer a glimpse into the rustic and heartfelt narratives that have been passed down through generations. Vaughan Williams' arrangements breathe new life into these timeless tunes, showcasing his ability to blend classical sophistication with folk simplicity.
The second half of the album presents a selection of collected folk songs, again edited by C. Sharp. Tracks like "Down by the Riverside," "The Carter," and "The Fox" highlight the diversity and richness of English folk music. Vaughan Williams' compositions are not just renditions but reinterpretations, each note carefully crafted to evoke the essence of the original while adding a layer of classical depth.
Ralph Vaughan Williams, a prominent figure in the English musical landscape, is known for his ability to capture the spirit of folk music and translate it into the classical idiom. His work on this album is a testament to his enduring legacy and his commitment to preserving and celebrating the musical traditions of his homeland.
"Folk Songs, Vol. 2" is more than just an album; it's a journey through the heart of English folk music. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a captivating exploration of the melodies and stories that have shaped English musical culture.
2021 Albion2021 (P) Albion
Tracks
9 English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachian Mountains (Ed. C. Sharp): No. 1, The Rich Old LadyRalph Vaughan Williams, Nicky Spence, William Vann
9 English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachian Mountains (Ed. C. Sharp): No. 2, The Tree in the WoodRalph Vaughan Williams, Roderick Williams, William Vann
9 English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachian Mountains (Ed. C. Sharp): No. 3, Lord Thomas and Fair EllinorRalph Vaughan Williams, Roderick Williams, William Vann
9 English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachian Mountains (Ed. C. Sharp): No. 4, The Lovers' TasksRalph Vaughan Williams, Mary Bevan, Nicky Spence, William Vann
9 English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachian Mountains (Ed. C. Sharp): No. 5, John RandolphRalph Vaughan Williams, Mary Bevan, Nicky Spence, William Vann
9 English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachian Mountains (Ed. C. Sharp): No. 6, Fair Margaret and Sweet WilliamRalph Vaughan Williams, Mary Bevan, William Vann
9 English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachian Mountains (Ed. C. Sharp): No. 7, Barbara EllenRalph Vaughan Williams, Roderick Williams, William Vann
9 English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachian Mountains (Ed. C. Sharp): No. 8, The House CarpenterRalph Vaughan Williams, Mary Bevan, William Vann
9 English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachian Mountains (Ed. C. Sharp): No. 9, The Twelve ApostlesRalph Vaughan Williams, Nicky Spence, Roderick Williams, William Vann
2 English Folksongs: No. 1, Searching for LambsRalph Vaughan Williams, Nicky Spence, Thomas Gould
2 English Folksongs: No. 2, The LawyerRalph Vaughan Williams, Nicky Spence, Thomas Gould
A Selection of Collected Folk Songs, Vol. 1 (Excerpts Ed. C. Sharp): No. 8, Down by the RiversideRalph Vaughan Williams, Roderick Williams, William Vann
A Selection of Collected Folk Songs, Vol. 1 (Excerpts Ed. C. Sharp): No. 12, I Will Give My Love an AppleRalph Vaughan Williams, Mary Bevan, William Vann
A Selection of Collected Folk Songs, Vol. 1 (Excerpts Ed. C. Sharp): No. 22, The CarterRalph Vaughan Williams, Nicky Spence, William Vann
A Selection of Collected Folk Songs, Vol. 1 (Excerpts Ed. C. Sharp): No. 31, The Painful PlowRalph Vaughan Williams, Roderick Williams, William Vann
A Selection of Collected Folk Songs, Vol. 1 (Excerpts Ed. C. Sharp): No. 15, My Boy BillyRalph Vaughan Williams, Mary Bevan, William Vann
A Selection of Collected Folk Songs, Vol. 1 (Excerpts Ed. C. Sharp): No. 26, The FoxRalph Vaughan Williams, Nicky Spence, William Vann
A Selection of Collected Folk Songs, Vol. 1 (Excerpts Ed. C. Sharp): No. 25, The Female HighwaymanRalph Vaughan Williams, Mary Bevan, William Vann
A Selection of Collected Folk Songs, Vol. 1 (Excerpts Ed. C. Sharp): No. 9, Farmyard SongRalph Vaughan Williams, Mary Bevan, Nicky Spence, William Vann
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