Customer Reviews

Vaughan Williams: A London Symphony; Fantasia on a Theme

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This album is an excellent pairing of RVW's works. 'Thomas Tallis' is a sublimely moving piece, best heard from high-quality speakers, and loudly. Its simultaneous feelings of elegy and power are tremendous in combination, which RVW underscores by having two orchestras play the piece at once. For those who love the more potent side of classical, this is one not to miss.