Vaughan Williams: A London Symphony; Fantasia on a Theme

Ralph Vaughan Williams (Composer), Adrian Boult (Conductor), London Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: Adrian Boult
• Composer: Ralph Vaughan Williams
• Audio CD (September 12, 1991)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: EMI Classics
• ASIN: B000002S2O
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #227,030 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dynamic Performances, September 8, 2008

By 

D. A Wend (Arlington Heights, IL USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Vaughan Williams: A London Symphony; Fantasia on a Theme (Audio CD)

This disc brings together recordings that Sir Adrian Bout made in his 80s in the early 1970's. The Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis was reviewed with other recordings of the work in the September, 2008 issue, and this recording was selected as the one to have.

The Tallis was recorded in 1975 and is a powerful reading of this famous Vaughan Williams work. I was immediately struck by the care taken over the phrasing and steady tempo. Listening to the recording was like hearing it for the first time and reminded me that the first performance of the Tallis Fantasia was in a cathedral. The performance of the London Symphony is, likewise, one of care and reflective of Adrian Boult's long experience conducting this music. The dynamics and phrasing are closely observed with care for the emotional expression of the music. The slow movement is especially well played with the climax of the music beautifully built and the quick silver scherzo is brilliantly played by the London Philharmonic. I would place this performance at the top of my favorite recordings of this music and they are certainly among the best of Adrian Boult's recordings of Vaughan William's music. The transfer to CD is well-engineered.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful recording, August 11, 2002

By 

Marvin A. Zimmer (murray, ut United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Vaughan Williams: A London Symphony; Fantasia on a Theme (Audio CD)

I have heard both the Andre Previn recording and the Adrian Bolt. While the Andre Previn is slower in places and builds to the climax in the first movement at a more natural tempo, this recording by Adrian Bolt serves up all the gusto and bravura that Vaughn Williams is known for. Sweeping melodic structures and exciting crescendoes really give a true feel for the magnetism of London and the countryside. This was Vaughn-william' favorite symphony, and I have to admit, mine to. You won't go wrong with this recording.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, August 28, 2000

By 

David W. Dee (Arlington, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vaughan Williams: A London Symphony; Fantasia on a Theme (Audio CD)

I have this CD on tape. I've always thought that the Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis was one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written, and this is a beautiful recording of it. If you're someone who also likes the Vaughn Williams "London" Symphony, then I'd give the CD 5 stars.