The approaching sesquicentennial of Ralph Vaughan Williams' birth is spawning symphony cycles and other recordings, and listeners have quite a few strong choices for the symphonies. Nevertheless, this release by the BBC Symphony Orchestra under the startlingly prolific Martyn Brabbins merits strong consideration. Although the Vaughan Williams symphonies are conventionally categorized into early, middle, and late, and the program here draws from the first two, the Symphony No. 3 ("Pastoral") and Symphony No. 4 in F minor ...
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The approaching sesquicentennial of Ralph Vaughan Williams' birth is spawning symphony cycles and other recordings, and listeners have quite a few strong choices for the symphonies. Nevertheless, this release by the BBC Symphony Orchestra under the startlingly prolific Martyn Brabbins merits strong consideration. Although the Vaughan Williams symphonies are conventionally categorized into early, middle, and late, and the program here draws from the first two, the Symphony No. 3 ("Pastoral") and Symphony No. 4 in F minor make an excellent pair in performance. The former is flowing and somehow spiritual, with counterpoint and a concluding fugue, while the latter is among Vaughan Williams' darkest and most dissonant works. The opening movement of the Fourth Symphony is unsettled from the very beginning, and Brabbins approaches the work in its proper modern spirit rather than attempting to damp it down. The Symphony No. 3, too, has a remarkable quiet energy. Brabbins has reached a point where the BBC...
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Seller's Description:
Fair. Ex-Library rental. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and may contain only light scratches that do not effect functionality. Includes disc(s), case, and artwork. May be missing booklet. Disc(s), case, and artwork may contain library/security stickers and ink writing. ARTWORK IS UNORIGINAL AND PRINTED BY LIBRARY. Case and artwork may show some wear. Case may not be an original jewel case. All disc(s) are authentic.
