Immerse yourself in the rich, evocative soundscapes of Ralph Vaughan Williams' entire symphonic journey with this comprehensive collection. Released on August 1, 1989, by Chandos, "Vaughan Williams: Complete Symphonies" spans nearly six hours of captivating classical music, showcasing the composer's evolution and mastery over his nine symphonies and a sea symphony.
From the expansive, poetic "A Sea Symphony" to the introspective and dramatic "Symphony No. 9 in E Minor," this album offers a profound exploration of Vaughan Williams' musical genius. Each symphony is a distinct entity, yet together they form a cohesive narrative of his artistic vision. The "Pastoral Symphony" (No. 3) brings a sense of tranquility and nature, while "Symphony No. 4 in F Minor" delivers a powerful, dramatic contrast. The innovative "Sinfonia Antartica" (No. 7) transforms his earlier film score into a symphonic masterpiece, evoking the stark beauty of Antarctica.
Vaughan Williams' ability to blend English folk music with modernist techniques creates a unique sound that is both timeless and innovative. This collection is a testament to his enduring influence on classical music, offering listeners a chance to experience the full breadth of his symphonic works. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Vaughan Williams' music, this album is an essential addition to any classical music library.
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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