Immerse yourself in the rich, evocative soundscapes of Ralph Vaughan Williams' complete symphonies, meticulously compiled in this comprehensive collection released by Chandos in 1989. Spanning nearly six hours, this album is a testament to the composer's extraordinary ability to blend traditional English musical heritage with innovative modern techniques.
The collection opens with the expansive "A Sea Symphony," a grand orchestral work that sets the tone for the journey through Vaughan Williams' symphonic repertoire. Each symphony offers a unique exploration of emotion, landscape, and human experience. From the pastoral serenity of the "Pastoral Symphony" to the dramatic intensity of the "Symphony No. 9 in E Minor," the album showcases the composer's versatility and depth.
The "London Symphony" and "Sinfonia Antartica" are particularly notable, offering vivid musical depictions of urban life and the stark beauty of Antarctica, respectively. The "Symphony No. 8 in D Minor" and "Symphony No. 5 in D Major" further highlight Vaughan Williams' mastery of form and structure, with intricate variations and dynamic rhythms.
This album is a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts, providing an in-depth look at one of the 20th century's most influential composers. Whether you're a longtime fan of Vaughan Williams or a newcomer to his work, this collection offers a profound and rewarding listening experience.
1992 Chandos Records1992 Chandos Records
Tracks
A Sea Symphony, "Symphony No. 1": I. A Song for all Seas, all ShipsRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra, Yvonne Kenny, Brian Rayner Cook, Roderick elms, London Symphony Chorus, Simon Joly
A Sea Symphony, "Symphony No. 1": II. On the Beach at Night, aloneRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra, Brian Rayner Cook, Roderick elms, London Symphony Chorus, Simon Joly
A Sea Symphony, "Symphony No. 1": III. Scherzo - The WavesRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra, Roderick elms, London Symphony Chorus, Simon Joly
A Sea Symphony, "Symphony No. 1": IV. The ExplorersRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra, Yvonne Kenny, Brian Rayner Cook, Roderick elms, London Symphony Chorus, Simon Joly
Symphony No. 2, "A London Symphony": I. Lento - Allegro risolutoRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 2, "A London Symphony": II. LentoRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 2, "A London Symphony": III. Scherzo (Nocturne) - Allegro vivaceRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 2, "A London Symphony": IV. Andante con moto - Allegro - EpilogueRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 8 in D Minor: I. Fantasia. Variazioni senza TemaRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 8 in D Minor: II. Scherzo alla MarciaRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 8 in D Minor: III. CavatinaRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 8 in D Minor: IV. ToccataRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 3, "Pastoral Symphony": I. Molto moderatoRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra, Yvonne Kenny
Symphony No. 3, "Pastoral Symphony": II. Lento moderatoRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra, Yvonne Kenny
Symphony No. 3, "Pastoral Symphony": III. Moderato pesanteRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra, Yvonne Kenny
Symphony No. 3, "Pastoral Symphony": IV. LentoRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra, Yvonne Kenny
Symphony No. 4 in F Minor: I. AllegroRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 4 in F Minor: II. Andante moderatoRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 4 in F Minor: III. Scherzo. Allegro moltoRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 4 in F Minor: IV. Finale con epilogo fugato. Allegro moltoRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 5 in D Major: I. Preludio. ModeratoRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 5 in D Major: II. Scherzo. Presto misteriosoRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 5 in D Major: III. Romanza. LentoRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 5 in D Major: IV. Passacaglia. ModeratoRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 6 in E Minor: I. AllegroRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 6 in E Minor: II. ModeratoRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 6 in E Minor: III. Scherzo. Allegro vivaceRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 6 in E Minor: IV. Epilogue. ModeratoRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
Sinfonia Antartica, "Symphony No. 7": I. Prelude. Andante MaestosoRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra, Catherine Bott, London Symphony Chorus
Sinfonia Antartica, "Symphony No. 7": II. Scherzo. ModeratoRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
Sinfonia Antartica, "Symphony No. 7": III. Landscape. LentoRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra, Roderick elms
Sinfonia Antartica, "Symphony No. 7": IV. Intermezzo. Andante sostenutoRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
Sinfonia Antartica, "Symphony No. 7": V. Epilogue. Alla marcia, moderatoRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra, Catherine Bott, London Symphony Chorus
Symphony No. 9 in E Minor: I. Moderato maestosoRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 9 in E Minor: II. Andante sostenutoRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 9 in E Minor: III. Scherzo. Allegro pesanteRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 9 in E Minor: IV. Andante tranquilloRalph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra
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