Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of 20th-century British classical music with the Philharmonia Orchestra's captivating album, "20th Century Britain: Elgar, Britten & Vaughan Williams." This extensive collection, released on April 10, 2014, under Ameritz Music Ltd., offers a comprehensive journey through the works of three of Britain's most celebrated composers. Spanning over seven hours and twenty-four minutes, the album is a testament to the Philharmonia Orchestra's virtuosity and the enduring legacy of these musical giants.
The album features a diverse range of compositions, from the symphonic grandeur of Edward Elgar's Symphony No. 1 in A-Flat Major and Symphony No. 5 in D Major to the intricate chamber music of Benjamin Britten's string quartets. The Philharmonia Orchestra masterfully navigates the complexities of these works, showcasing their technical prowess and emotional depth. Vaughan Williams' contributions, including the evocative "The Lark Ascending" and the dramatic "Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis," add a layer of pastoral beauty and lyrical richness to the collection.
Highlights include the stirring "In the South Overture" by Vaughan Williams, the hauntingly beautiful "Oboe Concerto in A Minor" by Britten, and Elgar's majestic "Symphony No. 1 in A-Flat Major." The album also features lesser-known gems such as "Mont Juic" by Britten and "Film Music for Henry V" by Walton, offering a well-rounded exploration of the era's musical landscape.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album provides a profound and enriching listening experience. The Philharmonia Orchestra's impeccable performance brings these timeless compositions to life, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the rich musical heritage of 20th-century Britain.
Tracks
Symphony No. 1 in A-Flat Major, Op. 55: I. Andante nobilmenteEdward Elgar, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Symphony No. 1 in A-Flat Major, Op. 55: II. Allegro moltoEdward Elgar, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
String Quartet in D Major: II. Lento ed espressivo -Benjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
String Quartet in E Minor, Op. 83: III. Allegro moltoEdward Elgar, Britten Quartet
Film Music for Henry V. 2 Pieces for Strings: No. 2. Touch her soft lips and partWilliam Walton, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Kenneth Sillito, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
String Quartet No. 3, Op. 94: III. Solo: Very calm - LivelyBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
Simple Symphony, Op. 4 (arr. for String Quartet): III. Sentimental SarabandeBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
Simple Symphony, Op. 4 (arr. for String Quartet): II. Playful PizzicatoBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
String Quartet No. 3, Op. 94: V. Recitative and passacaglia (La serenissima)Benjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
String Quartet No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25: II. Allegretto con slancioBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
String Quartet No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25: I. Andante sostenuto - Allegro vivoBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
Simple Symphony, Op. 4 (arr. for String Quartet): IV. Frolicsome FinaleBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
In the South Overture, Op. 50, "Alassio":Edward Elgar, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
String Quartet in E Minor, Op. 83: I. Allegro moderatoEdward Elgar, Britten Quartet
String Quartet in E Minor, Op. 83: II. PiacevoleEdward Elgar, Britten Quartet
Violin Concerto in B Minor, Op. 61: II. AndanteEdward Elgar, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra
String Quartet No. 2 in C Major, Op. 36: I. Allegro calmo senza rigoreBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
String Quartet No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25: III. Andante calmoBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
String Quartet No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25: IV. Molto vivaceBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
String Quartet No. 2 in C Major, Op. 36: III. Chacony: SostenutoBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
String Quartet No. 3, Op. 94: II. Ostinato: Very fastBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
String Quartet No. 3, Op. 94: I. Duets: With moderate movementBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
String Quartet No. 2 in C Major, Op. 36: II. VivaceBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
Film Music for Henry V. 2 Pieces for Strings: No. 1. Death of FalstaffWilliam Walton, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Kenneth Sillito, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Violin Concerto: III. VivaceWilliam Walton, Salvatore Accardo, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra
Simple Symphony, Op. 4 (arr. for String Quartet): I. Boisterous BoureeBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
String Quartet in D Major: I. Allegro maestoso -Benjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
String Quartet in D Major: III. Allegro giocosoBenjamin Britten, Britten Quartet
Violin Concerto in B Minor, Op. 61: III. Allegro moltoEdward Elgar, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 in A-Flat Major, Op. 55: IV. Lento - AdagioEdward Elgar, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Mont Juic, Op. 12: III. Lament: Andante moderato (Britten, Op. 12, No. 1)Benjamin Britten, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Louis Frémaux
Mont Juic, Op. 12: II. Allegro grazioso (Berkeley, Op. 9, No. 2)Benjamin Britten, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Louis Frémaux
Violin Concerto in B Minor, Op. 61: I. AllegroEdward Elgar, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 5 in D Major: III. Romanza: LentoRalph Vaughan Williams, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Symphony No. 1: IV. Maestoso: Allegro brioso ed ardentementeWilliam Walton, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Louis Frémaux
String Quartet in A Minor: II. PrestoWilliam Walton, Britten Quartet
Violin Concerto: I. Andante tranquilloWilliam Walton, Salvatore Accardo, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 1: II. Presto con maliziaWilliam Walton, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Louis Frémaux
Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis:Ralph Vaughan Williams, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Robert Haydon Clark, Consort of London
Symphony No. 6 in E Minor: IV. Epilogue: ModeratoRalph Vaughan Williams, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
String Quartet in A Minor: IV. Allegro moltoWilliam Walton, Britten Quartet
Oboe Concerto in A Minor: II. Minuet and Musette: Allegro moderatoRalph Vaughan Williams, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Robert Haydon Clark, Consort of London
The Lark Ascending:Ralph Vaughan Williams, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Robert Haydon Clark, Consort of London
Symphony No. 1 in A-Flat Major, Op. 55: III. AdagioEdward Elgar, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Fantasia on Greensleeves (arr. R. Greaves):Ralph Vaughan Williams, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Robert Haydon Clark, Consort of London
Symphony No. 1: I. Allegro assaiWilliam Walton, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Louis Frémaux
String Quartet in A Minor: I. AllegroWilliam Walton, Britten Quartet
String Quartet in A Minor: III. LentoWilliam Walton, Britten Quartet
Oboe Concerto in A Minor: III. Finale (Scherzo): Presto - Doppio piu lento - Lento - PrestoRalph Vaughan Williams, Philharmonia Orchestra, Salvatore Accardo, Sir Neville Marriner, Robert Haydon Clark, Consort of London
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