Vaughan Williams: The Complete Symphonies [BOX SET]

Daniel (Artist), Bakel (Artist), Vaughan Williams (Composer), Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Rodgers (Performer), Maltman (Performer), Russell (Performer), Silverthorne (Performer), Bournemouth Symphony Chorus (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Rodgers, Maltman, Russell, Silverthorne, Bournemouth Symphony Chorus
• Orchestra: Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
• Composer: Vaughan Williams
• Audio CD (August 26, 2008)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 6
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Naxos
• ASIN: B001BLR7AI
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #208,637 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

ClassicsToday.com, David Hurwitz, December 2008
Given the "big names" in Vaughan Williams symphony cycles, it would be easy to overlook this convenient repackaging of the dual-conductor Naxos recordings. This would be a mistake: they are, for the most part, very good indeed. Kees Bakels conducts all of the symphonies except for Nos. 1 and 4. Now it just so happens that Paul Daniel's No. 1 is the single major disappointment in the set, as much a function of mediocre singing and technically challenged recording as anything Daniel does. Elsewhere, these are some of the most exciting RVW performances around. Highlights include a particularly energized No. 6, an unusually vivid and colorful Pastoral Symphony, and versions of the last three works that withstand comparison with the best. In A London Symphony, Bakels doesn't quite match classic interpretations by Boult (EMI) and Previn (RCA), but he's still very good. If you missed this cycle in its individual releases, you might want to consider going whole hog and trying them all in one shot.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful bargain set, March 18, 2009

By	Daniel W. Fowler (Austin TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I agree with Hurwitz's assessment of this set of Vaughan Williams symphonies, except that I like the interpretation and recording of the first symphony somewhat better than he does. Daniels and his performers create a lighter and more transparent version than some of the others that I've heard. I'll concede that the intensity is somewhat less than that generated by the classic mono Boult reading (my personal favorite). But the reading has plenty of passion, and the lyrical parts are tenderly conveyed. Overall, I find the interpretation convincing. The recording seems quite acceptable to me as well, clearly capturing the blend of vocals and instrumentalists. In fact, the recording reveals many details that are hidden by the classic Boult mono recording.

The other symphonies fare even better. I especially liked the fifth and ninth symphonies, which seemed to stand out even more than some of the versions in other first-rate cycles that I own. The two conductors (Daniel in 1 & 4, Bakels in the rest) present a coherent vision of the music, carried out in inspired fashion by the Bournemouth musicians. Great digital recorded sound brings out all their efforts wonderfully.

Vaughan Williams symphonies have been generously served throughout the years by a number of truly outstanding cycles. Boult (mono), Boult (stereo), Previn, Haitink, and Handley have all offered convincingly wonderful visions of this music. This new bargain set legitimately joins their ranks, offering some compelling renditions in outstanding sound. For a newcomer, it offers a wonderful introduction to the symphonies at a great price. For a Vaughan Williams veteran, it offers some wonderful new insights into the music. The only caveat would be that this set primarily offers the symphonies with the addition of the Overture to the Wasps, Flos Campi and Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1. Other sets offer varying degrees of additional music; Boult's EMI stereo 8-CD set being especially notable. Moreover, the Vaughan Williams collectors edition, a 30 cd set selling for $42 on amazon, offers a first rate symphony cycle conducted by Vernon Handley along with a cornucopia of orchestral and vocal music. Caveats aside, I look forward to many hours of enjoyment listening to the music in this Naxos set.