Vaughan Williams: A London Symphony / Symphony No. 8 in D Minor

Ralph Vaughan Williams (Composer), Vernon Handley (Conductor), Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: Vernon Handley
• Composer: Ralph Vaughan Williams
• Audio CD (May 23, 1995)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: EMI
• ASIN: B000003X2M
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #948,368 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. A London Sym (No.2): I. Lento-Allegro Risoluto

2. A London Sym (No.2): II. Lento - Roger Benedict

3. A London Sym (No.2): III. Scherzo (Nocturne) (Allegro Vivace)

4. A London Sym (No.2): IV. Andante Con Moto-Maestoso Alla Marcia

5. Sym No.8 in d: I. Fant (Variazioni Senza Tema)

6. Sym No.8 in d: II. Scherzo Alla Marcia (Per Stromenti A Fiato)

7. Sym No.8 in d: III. Cavatina (Per Stromenti Ad Arco)

8. Sym No.8 in d: IV. Toccata

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Symphony No. 8 Scherzo, August 5, 2007

By 

Red Stick Reviewer - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vaughan Williams: A London Symphony / Symphony No. 8 in D Minor (Audio CD)

After listening to Handley conduct Symphony No. 8 on this CD, I realized that I had another CD with Stokowski conducting the Scherzo from this symphony. Stokowski takes it at a much livelier clip, with a timing of 3:33 compared to Handley's 4:07. Handley's slower tempo permits one to hear the bassoon line at the beginning more clearly, but otherwise I think the wreath goes to Stokowski. The faster tempo infuses some life into this movement that is lacking in Handley's version.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent budget choice in Vaughan Williams, October 31, 2005

By 

Santa Fe Listener (Santa Fe, NM USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Vaughan Williams: A London Symphony / Symphony No. 8 in D Minor (Audio CD)

Although not sold widely in the U.S., Handley's cycle of Vaughan Williams symphonies is at super budget oeice on eBay or through online UK dealers. He is never less than very good; his Royal Liverpool Orchestra sounds almost as expert as the Halle and is well recorded. Vaughan Williams doesn't need a virtuoso orchestra, anyway. As an interpreter, Vernon Handley lies somewhere between Boult's straight-ahead propulsion and Barbirolli's eloquent rubato. He never lacks for exctiment and is capable of a braod, singing line where needed.

This CD is typical, with a fine London Sym. and an even better Sym. #8. The latter, from VW's old age, is often called enigmatic, while the Sym. #2 is one of his best-loved nostalgia pieces. In reality both are lovable, tuneful, and deeply reactionary so far as harmony goes. Holding steady was a huge challenge for England during the two world wars and the social upheaval that VW witnessed across his long life. If his idiom stayed rooted in folk song and hymns, so be it. His highly accessible style bespeaks a great deal of character. It makes you realize the value of tradition in the best sense of the term.