Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Ralph Vaughan Williams with his critically acclaimed album "Vaughan Williams: Symphony No. 5 & Scenes from Pilgrim's Progress." Released on October 30, 2020, under the Hyperion label, this classical masterpiece is a testament to Vaughan Williams' enduring genius and his ability to craft compositions that resonate deeply with audiences.
The album features two significant works: the Symphony No. 5 in D Major, composed between 1938 and 1943, and the orchestral suite "Scenes Adapted from Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress," written in 1906. The Fifth Symphony, notable for its thematic links to the "Pilgrim's Progress" suite, showcases Vaughan Williams' shift towards a more lyrical and pastoral style, moving away from the dissonance of his Fourth Symphony. The suite, inspired by John Bunyan's allegorical novel, is a vivid musical narrative that brings to life the journey of the pilgrim Christian.
Performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra under the skilled direction of Martyn Brabbins, the album was recorded at the Watford Colosseum in December 2018. The production, overseen by Andrew Keener and engineered by Simon Eadon, captures the rich, nuanced performances with exceptional clarity. The album's release was met with critical acclaim, earning a Gramophone Magazine Critics' Choice award in 2020.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 6 minutes, the album offers a comprehensive exploration of Vaughan Williams' musical vision. From the majestic "Preludio" of the Fifth Symphony to the evocative "Flower-Girl's Song" in the "Pilgrim's Progress" suite, each track is a testament to the composer's ability to evoke profound emotions and vivid imagery through music. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Vaughan Williams' work, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Symphony No. 5 in D Major: I. PreludioRalph Vaughan Williams, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Symphony No. 5 in D Major: II. ScherzoRalph Vaughan Williams, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Symphony No. 5 in D Major: III. RomanzaRalph Vaughan Williams, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Symphony No. 5 in D Major: IV. PassacagliaRalph Vaughan Williams, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Scenes Adapted from Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress (1906): I. PreludeRalph Vaughan Williams, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Scenes Adapted from Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress (1906): II. Dances. Sellinger's Round & The Lost LadyRalph Vaughan Williams, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Scenes Adapted from Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress (1906): III. Flower-Girl's SongRalph Vaughan Williams, Emily Portman
Scenes Adapted from Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress (1906): IV. The Arming of ChristianRalph Vaughan Williams, BBC Symphony Chorus, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Scenes Adapted from Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress (1906): V. Apollyon. Start of SceneRalph Vaughan Williams, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Scenes Adapted from Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress (1906): VI. Apollyon. The Fight –Ralph Vaughan Williams, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Scenes Adapted from Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress (1906): VII. The Angel's SongRalph Vaughan Williams, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins, Kitty Whately
Scenes Adapted from Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress (1906): VIII. Down Among the Dead MenRalph Vaughan Williams, Christopher Bowen, Andrew Rupp, Martyn Brabbins, Tom Raskin, Jamie W. Hall
Scenes Adapted from Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress (1906): IX. Vanity Fair. End of SceneRalph Vaughan Williams, Martyn Brabbins, BBC Symphony Orchestra
Scenes Adapted from Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress (1906): X. The Death of FaithfulRalph Vaughan Williams, Martyn Brabbins, BBC Symphony Orchestra
Scenes Adapted from Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress (1906): XI. Shepherd's SongRalph Vaughan Williams, Martyn Brabbins, Marcus Farnsworth, BBC Symphony Orchestra
Scenes Adapted from Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress (1906): XII. Final SceneRalph Vaughan Williams, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Georgina Wheatley, Martyn Brabbins, BBC Symphony Chorus
Scenes Adapted from Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress (1906): XIII. EpilogueRalph Vaughan Williams, Martyn Brabbins, BBC Symphony Orchestra
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