Ralph Vaughan Williams' "The Pilgrim's Progress," released in 1998 under the Chandos label, is a monumental classical work that brings to life John Bunyan's timeless 1678 allegory. This two-hour, ten-minute orchestral and choral masterpiece is a profound exploration of faith, struggle, and redemption, set to a libretto crafted by Vaughan Williams himself, drawing from Bunyan's original text, biblical verses, and poetry by his wife, Ursula Vaughan Williams.
The album is structured as a dramatic oratorio, divided into acts and scenes, each depicting a stage in the Pilgrim's journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. With its rich, evocative score and powerful narration, the work immerses the audience in a vivid musical landscape, from the haunting "Nocturne" to the triumphant "Alleluia" that concludes the Pilgrim's journey.
Vaughan Williams' compositional genius shines through in this deeply spiritual and universally resonant work. The Pilgrim's encounters with various characters, such as Evangelist, Apollyon, and the Shepherds of the Delectable Mountains, are brought to life with vivid musical depictions, making this album a compelling listen for both classical enthusiasts and those new to the genre. The 1998 Chandos recording features a stellar cast and orchestral performance, capturing the full grandeur and intimacy of Vaughan Williams' vision.
Tracks
The Pilgrim's Progress, Prologue: So, I awoke, and behold it was a dream (John Bunyan)Ralph Vaughan Williams, Richard Hickox, Royal Opera House Orchestra, Peter Coleman-Wright
The Pilgrim's Progress, Act I Scene 1: The Pilgrim meets Evangelist. What shall I do? (Pilgrim, Evanglist, Pliable, Timorous, ObstRalph Vaughan Williams, Richard Hickox, Royal Opera House Orchestra, Gerald Finley, Jeremy White, Richard Coxon, Roderick Williams, Gidon Saks, Francis Egerton
The Pilgrim's Progress, Act I Scene 2: The House Beautiful. Save me! Save me, Lord! (Pilgrim, Three Shining Ones, Interpreter, ChoRalph Vaughan Williams, Richard Hickox, Royal Opera House Orchestra, Gerald Finley, Rebecca Evans, Susan Gritton, Pamela Helen Stephen, Mark Padmore, Royal Opera House Chorus
The Pilgrim's Progress, Act I Scene 2: Nocturne - Into thy hands, O Lord (Watchful)Ralph Vaughan Williams, Richard Hickox, Royal Opera House Orchestra, Roderick Williams
The Pilgrim's Progress, Act II Scene 1: The Arming of the Pilgrim. This is the King's Highway (Herald, Pilgrim, Chorus)Ralph Vaughan Williams, Richard Hickox, Royal Opera House Orchestra, Gerald Finley, Robert Hayward, Royal Opera House Chorus
The Pilgrim's Progress, Act II Scene 2: The Pilgrim meets Apollyon. Whence come you? (Apollyon, Pilgrim, Evangelist, Chorus of DolRalph Vaughan Williams, Richard Hickox, Royal Opera House Orchestra, Gerald Finley, Gidon Saks, Susan Gritton, Pamela Helen Stephen, Jeremy White, Royal Opera House Chorus
The Pilgrim's Progress, Act III Scene 1: Vanity Fair. Buy! What will ye buy! (Lord Lechery, Pilgrim, Demas, Judas Iscariot, SimonRalph Vaughan Williams, Richard Hickox, Royal Opera House Orchestra, Gerald Finley, Adrian Thompson, Jonathan Fisher, John Kerr, Christopher Keyte, Neil Gillespie
The Pilgrim's Progress, Act III Scene 1: Vanity Fair. I buy the truth! (Pilgrim, Pontius Pilate, Usher, Lord Hate-Good, Envy, SupeRalph Vaughan Williams, Richard Hickox, Royal Opera House Orchestra, Gerald Finley, Donaldson Bell, Francis Egerton, Gidon Saks, Susan Gritton, Anne-Marie Owens
The Pilgrim's Progress, Act III Scene 2: The Pilgrim in Prison. My God, my God look upon me (Pilgrim)Ralph Vaughan Williams, Richard Hickox, Royal Opera House Orchestra, Gerald Finley
The Pilgrim's Progress, Act IV Scene 1: The Pilgrim meets Mister By-Ends (Boy, Pilgrim, Mister By-Ends, Madam By-Ends)Ralph Vaughan Williams, Richard Hickox, Royal Opera House Orchestra, Gerald Finley, Mica Penniman, Richard Coxon, Anne-Marie Owens
The Pilgrim's Progress: Entr`acteRalph Vaughan Williams, Richard Hickox, Royal Opera House Orchestra
The Pilgrim's Progress, Act IV Scene 2: The Shepherds of the Delectable Mountains. Who so dwelleth… (Three Shepherds, Pilgrim)Ralph Vaughan Williams, Richard Hickox, Royal Opera House Orchestra, Gerald Finley, Roderick Williams, Mark Padmore, Jeremy White
The Pilgrim's Progress, Act IV Scene 2: The Shepherds of the Delectable Mountains. The Lord is my Shepherd (Voice of a Bird, PilgrRalph Vaughan Williams, Richard Hickox, Royal Opera House Orchestra, Gerald Finley, Roderick Williams, Mark Padmore, Jeremy White, Susan Gritton, Adrian Thompson
The Pilgrim's Progress, Act IV Scene 3: The Pilgrim reaches the End of his Journey. Alleluia, Alleluia (Voices from Heaven)Ralph Vaughan Williams, Richard Hickox, Royal Opera House Orchestra, Rebecca Evans, Anne-Marie Owens, Mark Padmore, Royal Opera House Chorus
The Pilgrim's Progress, Epilogue: Now hearer, I have told my dream to thee (John Bunyan)Ralph Vaughan Williams, Richard Hickox, Royal Opera House Orchestra, Peter Coleman-Wright
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