Customer Reviews

Vaughan Williams: Over hill, over dale

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

 

 

THIS MUSIC DEPICTS A SAMPLING OF RALPH V.W. CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE END, AND WHAT BEAUTY HE GAVE US!

Ralph Vaughan-Williams loved "the lilt of the chorus at the music hall...children dancing to a barrel organ, the rousing fervor of a Salvation Army Hymn, St.Paul's and a great choir singing at one of its festivals...the Welshmen striking up one of their own hymns...the cries of street pedlars, the factory girls singing their sentimental songs." This disc somehow reflects all of these influences. I think it makes him a true folksong specialist!

The music included herein covers the whole of the composer's long career-from "The Willow Song" written when he was eighteen, to "Heart's Music",composed three years before his death at the age of eighty-six.

The Holst Singers along with the two soloists:Ian Bostridge (tenor) and Michael George (bass)are very excellent in their renditions. The choir is perfection in balance, diction, ensemble and emotional content. Bostridge with his sweet and pure tenor almost moves one to tears especially in "Greensleeves" and "Ca'the yowes". And Michael George was also very moving in his solo:"Loch Lomond". It is as if the entire performing group were aware of a statement made by Vaughan-Williams before his death: "if the roots of your art are firmly planted in your own soil, and that soil has anything to give you, you may still gain the whole world and not lose your own souls."

This collection of English and Scottish folk songs moved me to tears and made me experience a plethora of emotions over and over again. The beautiful melodies flowing from this CD conjure up melacholy, joy, sadness and wonder. They crystalise the most common human experiences and the mystery of existence into certain folksong idioms that, once listened to, will stick in your ears and stir your heart strings for a long time.

Salute to Vaughan Williams for documenting, preserving and arranging these gems of English and Scottish heritage. Holst singers performe splendidly. Their discipline and professionalism, and a sense of artistic direction shine through.

I highly recommend this CD along with John Rutter's "The Lark in the Clear Air" for all the sensitive people who take interest in classical music and traditional folk songs.

I wish I can give this CD 10 stars!

ericformosan@hotmail.com

A selection of the best of RVW's folksong arrangements performed with insight and restraint by the Holst Singers, with help from soloists like the incomparable Ian Bostridge. Vaughan William's respect for these folksongs is evident in his exquisite settings, which reveal their depth and subtlety, without obscuring their simplicity.

This is a recording to cherish.

OMG - This disc is truly extraordinary!

While I enjoy some choral music, I generally listen to orchestral and chamber music. This disc contains some of the most heavenly singing have ever heard. The songs themselves are absolutely stunning - the opening track will cuase your hair to stand on end, it is that lovely. And of course, Hyperion's recording and sound stage is extraordinary.

You will truly love this disc - even if you do not typically listen to choral singing.

5 Stars!