Immerse yourself in the rich and diverse musical landscape of Ralph Vaughan Williams with "A Portrait of Vaughan Williams," a comprehensive collection released in 1999 by Nimbus Records. This four-hour journey through the composer's extensive repertoire offers a deep dive into his classical masterpieces, showcasing his unparalleled ability to blend traditional English folk music with contemporary classical styles.
The album features a stunning array of works, including orchestral pieces like "Overture: The Wasps" and "Fantasia On Greensleeves," as well as chamber music such as the "String Quartet No.1 in G Minor" and "String Quartet No.2 in A Minor." Vocal enthusiasts will appreciate the inclusion of sacred and secular songs, including "Sacred and Secular Songs: Valiant-for-Truth" and "Three Shakespeare Songs: Full Fathom Five."
Conducted by Stephen Darlington and performed by the Medici String Quartet and the English String Orchestra, this album captures the essence of Vaughan Williams' compositions with meticulous attention to detail. The performances are both technically impressive and emotionally resonant, bringing to life the composer's unique vision.
Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, "A Portrait of Vaughan Williams" offers a compelling introduction to the works of one of England's most celebrated composers. The album's diverse selection of pieces ensures that there is something for everyone, making it a valuable addition to any music lover's collection.
(C) 1999 Nimbus Records Limited
Tracks
Overture: The WaspsRalph Vaughan Williams, English String Orchestra, William Boughton
The Lark AscendingRalph Vaughan Williams, English String Orchestra, William Boughton
Fantasia On GreensleevesRalph Vaughan Williams, English String Orchestra, William Boughton
Oboe Concerto: I. Rondo PastoraleRalph Vaughan Williams, English String Orchestra, William Boughton
Oboe Concerto: II. Minuet And MusetteRalph Vaughan Williams, English String Orchestra, William Boughton
Oboe Concerto: III. ScherzoRalph Vaughan Williams, English String Orchestra, William Boughton
Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas TallisRalph Vaughan Williams, English String Orchestra, William Boughton
Five Variants of Dives and LazarusRalph Vaughan Williams, English String Orchestra, William Boughton
Mass in G Minor: KyrieRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Mass in G Minor: Gloria in excelsisRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Mass in G Minor: CredoRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Mass in G Minor: Sanctus Osanna I - Benedictus - Osanna IIRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Mass in G Minor: Agnus DeiRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Sacred and Secular Songs: Valiant-for-TruthRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Sacred and Secular Songs: The Blessed Son of GodRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Sacred and Secular Songs: No Sad Thought His Soul AffrightRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Sacred and Secular Songs: Lord, Thou Hast Been Our RefugeRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Sacred and Secular Songs: O Taste and SeeRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Three Shakespeare Songs: Full Fathom FiveRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Three Shakespeare Songs: The Cloud-Capp'd TowersRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Three Shakespeare Songs: Over Hill, Over DaleRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Phantasy Quintet: I. Prelude - Lento ma non troppoRalph Vaughan Williams, Medici String Quartet, William Boughton, Stephen Darlington
Phantasy Quintet: II. Scherzo - PrestissimoRalph Vaughan Williams, Medici String Quartet, William Boughton, Stephen Darlington
Phantasy Quintet: III. Alla Sarabanda - LentoRalph Vaughan Williams, Medici String Quartet, William Boughton, Stephen Darlington
Phantasy Quintet: IV. Burlesca - Allegro moderatoRalph Vaughan Williams, Medici String Quartet, William Boughton, Stephen Darlington
String Quartet No.1 in G Minor: I. Allegro moderatoRalph Vaughan Williams, Medici String Quartet, William Boughton, Stephen Darlington
String Quartet No.1 in G Minor: II. Minuet and Trio - Tempo di MinuettoRalph Vaughan Williams, Medici String Quartet, William Boughton, Stephen Darlington
String Quartet No.1 in G Minor: III. Romance - Andante sostenutoRalph Vaughan Williams, Medici String Quartet, William Boughton, Stephen Darlington
String Quartet No.1 in G Minor: IV. Finale: Rondo Capriccioso - Allegro moltoRalph Vaughan Williams, Medici String Quartet, William Boughton, Stephen Darlington
String Quartet No.2 in A Minor: I. Prelude - Allegro appassionatoRalph Vaughan Williams, Medici String Quartet, William Boughton, Stephen Darlington
String Quartet No.2 in A Minor: II. Romance - LargoRalph Vaughan Williams, Medici String Quartet, William Boughton, Stephen Darlington
String Quartet No.2 in A Minor: III. Scherzo - AllegroRalph Vaughan Williams, Medici String Quartet, William Boughton, Stephen Darlington
String Quartet No.2 in A Minor: IV. Epilogue - Andante sostenutoRalph Vaughan Williams, Medici String Quartet, William Boughton, Stephen Darlington
An Oxford ElegyRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Flos CampiRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
Te DeumRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
O, Clap Your HandsRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington
The Old 100thRalph Vaughan Williams, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Stephen Darlington