Customer Reviews

Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis; 'Dives and Lazarus'; Flos Campi; Fantasia on 'Greensleeves'

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This is, by far, the best version of these pieces available today. Abravanel has the "master's feel" for how these were meant to be played, in my opinion. The slower tempo, the gentler rise to the theme, and the plaintive "crying" of the solo violin sections are all differences discernible from other composer's more "brash" treatment of the pieces. If you must own only one version of these pieces, this is the one.

The "Thomas Tallis Fantasia" came into my life in 1973 when I was in college at Tulane in New Orleans. I saw the Edward Villella Dance Company do a double pas de deux and I couldn't quite believe what I was seeing; even more, what I was hearing! Immediately thereafter, and in later years, I searched out the Vaughan-Williams fantasy on LP, tape, in concert, and finally, on CD, and have made it my own for almost four decades. After numerous versions, the Abravanel remains my favorite due to its rich, caring and tender development. (It's a wonder my CD hasn't been worn to death or hopelessly marred by scratches since 1996.) Tremulous longing weaves, then soars round what is sonorous and earth-bound. It evokes Romantic and Pre-Raphaelite poets and painters of 19th century England - and a time gone by, that Vaughan-Williams so deftly captures in much of his work, especially pieces for String Orchestra. (I am eternally listening for the Lark.) His reverence, sensibility and genius make him the definitive composer for me, and the Abravanel, with but four stirring selections, seems the epitome of glorious music and balanced interpretation, should you desire to be lifted from the mundane and carried into the heavens, if but for an hour.

I've been searching for a particular piece of music for a long time but didn't know the name of it. Found it on Vaughan William's cd on amazon. Ordered it, received it, just what I had been looking for.

I first heard this recording when purchased as a LP! The recording remains one of my favorites due to the pacing and flow by Maurice Abravanel and the Utah Symphony/chorus. Flos Campi is not often heard, yet is captivating and even has polytonality near the beginning. The Fantasia pieces are familiar, yet played quite well. The Five Variants of Dives and Lazarus is the best rendering of this masterpiece, in my view. Vaughn Williams wrote music with a spirituality that permeates each of these selections. Interestingly his great uncle was Charles Darwin. My assumption would be that the composer was a man of faith. If you find his music appealing, you will likely not be disappointed by this recording.