Immerse yourself in a captivating journey through the world of classical music with the BBC Symphony Orchestra's latest release, "Berg, Stravinsky & Vaughan Williams: Orchestral Works." This live album, recorded and released on 17 November 2023 by SOMM Recordings, showcases the orchestra's exceptional prowess and versatility, spanning the genres of classical, orchestral, and opera.
The album is a compelling blend of works by three distinguished composers: Alban Berg, Igor Stravinsky, and Ralph Vaughan Williams. It opens with a powerful performance of Berg's "Wozzeck, Op. 7," a gripping opera in three acts that delves into the psychological depths of its titular character. The BBC Symphony Orchestra masterfully navigates the complex score, bringing to life the dramatic tension and emotional intensity of Berg's composition.
Following Berg's opera, the album transitions into Stravinsky's "Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra," a lively and intricate piece that highlights the orchestra's precision and virtuosity. The final section of the album is dedicated to Vaughan Williams' "Symphony No. 4 in F Minor," a monumental work that showcases the orchestra's ability to convey both the grandeur and subtlety of this iconic symphony.
In addition to the musical performances, the album also features an interview with the renowned conductor Sir Adrian Boult, providing valuable insights into the works and the orchestral process. This interview adds a unique dimension to the album, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the music and the artists behind it.
With a total runtime of 2 hours and 26 minutes, "Berg, Stravinsky & Vaughan Williams: Orchestral Works" is a substantial and rewarding listening experience. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and engaging exploration of some of the most significant works in the orchestral repertoire. Don't miss the chance to experience the BBC Symphony Orchestra at the height of their powers, delivering performances that are as thrilling as they are profound.
2023 SOMM Recordings2023 SOMM Recordings
Tracks
Wozzeck, Op. 7, Act I: Scene 1: The Captain's Room - LiveAlban Berg, Heinrich Nillius, Parry Jones, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Wozzeck, Op. 7, Act I: Scene 2: An Open Field Outside the Town - LiveAlban Berg, Heinrich Nillius, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult, Parry Jones
Wozzeck, Op. 7, Act I: Scene 3: Marie's Room - LiveAlban Berg, Heinrich Nillius, Suzanne Danco, Margaret Godley, Mary Jarred, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Wozzeck, Op. 7, Act I: Scene 4: The Doctor's Study - LiveAlban Berg, Heinrich Nillius, Otakar Kraus, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Wozzeck, Op. 7, Act I: Scene 5: Street before Marie's room - LiveAlban Berg, Suzanne Danco, Walter Widdop, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Wozzeck, Op. 7, Act II: Scene 1: Marie's Room - LiveAlban Berg, Heinrich Nillius, Suzanne Danco, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Wozzeck, Op. 7, Act II: Scene 2: Street in Town - LiveAlban Berg, Heinrich Nillius, Parry Jones, Otakar Kraus, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Wozzeck, Op. 7, Act II: Scene 3: Street before Marie's Doo - LiveAlban Berg, Heinrich Nillius, Suzanne Danco, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Wozzeck, Op. 7, Act II: Scene 4: Tavern Garden - LiveAlban Berg, Heinrich Nillius, Suzanne Danco, Frans Vroons, Walter Widdop, John Kentish, Gordon Clinton, Fabian Smith, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Wozzeck, Op. 7, Act II: Scene 5: Guardroom in the Barracks - LiveAlban Berg, Heinrich Nillius, Frans Vroons, Walter Widdop, John Kentish, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Wozzeck, Op. 7, Act III: Scene 1: Marie's Room - LiveAlban Berg, Suzanne Danco, Margaret Godley, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Wozzeck, Op. 7, Act III: Scene 2: Forest Path by a Pool - LiveAlban Berg, Heinrich Nillius, Suzanne Danco, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Wozzeck, Op. 7, Act III: Scene 3: A Low Tavern - LiveAlban Berg, Heinrich Nillius, Suzanne Danco, Mary Jarred, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Wozzeck, Op. 7, Act III: Scene 4: Forest Path by a Pool - LiveAlban Berg, Heinrich Nillius, Parry Jones, Otakar Kraus, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Wozzeck, Op. 7, Act III: Orchestral Interlude - Adagio - LiveAlban Berg, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Wozzeck, Op. 7, Act III: Scene 5: Street Before Marie's Door - LiveAlban Berg, Margaret Godley, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Sir Adrian Boult Interview with Bernard Keeffe - LiveSir Adrian Boult
Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra: I. Presto - LiveIgor Stravinsky, Noel Mewton-Wood, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra: II. Andante rapsodico - LiveIgor Stravinsky, Noel Mewton-Wood, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra: III. Allegro capriccioso ma tempo giusto - LiveIgor Stravinsky, Noel Mewton-Wood, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Symphony No. 4 in F Minor: I. Allegro - LiveRalph Vaughan Williams, Sir Adrian Boult, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Symphony No. 4 in F Minor: II. Andante moderato - LiveRalph Vaughan Williams, Sir Adrian Boult, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Symphony No. 4 in F Minor: III. Scherzo. Allegro molto - LiveRalph Vaughan Williams, Sir Adrian Boult, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Symphony No. 4 in F Minor: IV. Finale con epilogo fugato. Allegro molto - LiveRalph Vaughan Williams, Sir Adrian Boult, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden