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 meticulously curated collection showcases the brilliance of three of Britain's most celebrated composers, offering a comprehensive journey through their orchestral masterpieces.
The album spans an impressive 7 hours and 24 minutes, featuring 65 tracks that encapsulate the essence of British classical music from the 20th century. The Philharmonia Orchestra, renowned for its exceptional artistry and precision, brings these compositions to life with a performance that is both technically impeccable and deeply expressive.
Edward Elgar, a towering figure in British music, is represented with works such as his Symphony No. 1 in A-Flat Major and the enchanting "In the South Overture." Ralph Vaughan Williams, another titan of British composition, contributes his Symphony No. 5 in D Major and the evocative "The Lark Ascending," among other pieces. Benjamin Britten, known for his innovative and distinctive style, is featured with compositions like the "Violin Concerto in B Minor" and the "String Quartet No. 3."
The album is a testament to the Philharmonia Orchestra's versatility and mastery, as they navigate through a diverse range of musical styles and moods. From the sweeping grandeur of symphonies to the intimate subtleties of chamber music, each piece is rendered with a clarity and depth that highlights the unique qualities of the composers' works.
Recorded in 2014 under the Ameritz Music Ltd. label, this album is a must-listen for anyone interested in the rich heritage of British classical music. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection offers a profound and rewarding listening experience that celebrates the enduring legacy of Elgar, Britten, and Vaughan Williams.
(C) 2014 Ameritz Music Ltd.
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