Immerse yourself in the rich, evocative sounds of Ralph Vaughan Williams' timeless compositions with this captivating album, released under the Hyperion label in October 2011. The recording, which took place in January 2011 at the BBC Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff, Wales, showcases the exquisite talents of viola virtuoso Lawrence Power, accompanied by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales under the skilled direction of conductor Martyn Brabbins.
This album is a treasure trove of classical masterpieces, featuring Vaughan Williams' enchanting "Flos Campi," a work renowned for its mystical and erotic undertones, inspired by the Song of Songs. The suite for viola and small orchestra is a delightful journey through a variety of moods and styles, from the serene "Prelude" to the lively "Galop." Additionally, the album includes the Viola Concerto by Sir John Blackwood McEwen, a lesser-known yet equally captivating work that complements Vaughan Williams' compositions beautifully.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes, this album offers a comprehensive exploration of the viola's expressive range and the orchestral richness that Vaughan Williams and McEwen so masterfully crafted. The meticulous production by Rachel Smith and the expert engineering by Simon Eadon and Dave Rowell ensure that every nuance of the performance is captured with stunning clarity.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises a deeply satisfying listening experience, highlighting the enduring appeal of Ralph Vaughan Williams' music and the brilliance of the featured performers.
Suite for Viola and Small Orchestra: Group 1 No. 1. PreludeRalph Vaughan Williams, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Lawrence Power, Martyn Brabbins
Suite for Viola and Small Orchestra: Group 1 No. 2. CarolRalph Vaughan Williams, Martyn Brabbins, Lawrence Power, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Suite for Viola and Small Orchestra: Group 1 No. 3. Christmas DanceRalph Vaughan Williams, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Lawrence Power, Martyn Brabbins
Suite for Viola and Small Orchestra: Group 2 No. 1. BalladRalph Vaughan Williams, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Lawrence Power, Martyn Brabbins
Suite for Viola and Small Orchestra: Group 2 No. 2. Moto perpetuoRalph Vaughan Williams, Martyn Brabbins, Lawrence Power, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Suite for Viola and Small Orchestra: Group 3 No. 1. MusetteRalph Vaughan Williams, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Lawrence Power, Martyn Brabbins
Suite for Viola and Small Orchestra: Group 3 No. 2. Polka mélancoliqueRalph Vaughan Williams, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Lawrence Power, Martyn Brabbins
Suite for Viola and Small Orchestra: Group 3 No. 3. GalopRalph Vaughan Williams, Martyn Brabbins, Lawrence Power, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Viola Concerto: I. Allegro moderatoJohn McEwen, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Lawrence Power, Martyn Brabbins
Viola Concerto: II. Allegretto graziosoJohn McEwen, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Lawrence Power, Martyn Brabbins
Viola Concerto: III. Allegro con brioJohn McEwen, Martyn Brabbins, Lawrence Power, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Flos Campi: I. LentoRalph Vaughan Williams, Martyn Brabbins, BBC National Chorus of Wales, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Lawrence Power
Flos Campi: II. Andante con motoRalph Vaughan Williams, Martyn Brabbins, BBC National Chorus of Wales, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Lawrence Power
Flos Campi: III. Allegro con brioRalph Vaughan Williams, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, BBC National Chorus of Wales, Lawrence Power, Martyn Brabbins
Flos Campi: IV. Moderato alla marciaRalph Vaughan Williams, Martyn Brabbins, Lawrence Power, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, BBC National Chorus of Wales
Flos Campi: V. Andante quasi lentoRalph Vaughan Williams, Martyn Brabbins, Lawrence Power, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, BBC National Chorus of Wales
Flos Campi: VI. Moderato tranquilloRalph Vaughan Williams, Martyn Brabbins, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, BBC National Chorus of Wales, Lawrence Power
Vinylscout