Customer Reviews

Vaughan Williams: An Oxford Elegy/ Flos Campi/ Sancta Civitas/ etc.

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

 

 

It's rare enough to see recordings of any ONE of the three major works on this disc, let alone all THREE--and all of them amazing performances as a bonus!

Each of these works is a classic in its own right, yet with the possible exception of "Flos Campi," all have been forgotten by the recording studios. All three performances are well worth hearing in their own right, even if they don't quite match more modern recordings (e.g. Hickox or Handley) in dynamic range or sound quality: the commitment of all involved is impressive, particularly the fine contributions of the principal soloists--John Westbrook, Cecil Aranowitz, and John Shirley-Quirk.

A must for VW afficionados everywhere, particularly those in the United States, where these recordings are just being made available for the first time.

"An Oxford Elegy" is a work that uses 2 poems by Matthew Arnold: "The Scholar-Gipsy" and "Thyrsis."
I've listened with adoration to almost everything Vaughan Williams wrote, but still found myself skeptical of a work (Oxford Elegy) that employed spoken words throughout the work. I stand amazed. I fell in love with the work so much that I started reading other poems by Matthew Arnold after I got this cd. If the Scholar-Gipsy is dead then this music could just about bring him back to life. The speaker does his job affectionately, but not affectatedly, the chorus is like a wind that cuts directly underneath your skin, and the orchestral section completes the all-too perfect atmosphere

"Whitsunday Hymn" is the only short piece on the cd, but its a delicate and exquisite choral miniature

"Flos Campi" is the most well-known work on the cd, and a testament to Vaughan William's ability to write astonishingly original and beautiful phrases out of simple musical ideas. Every time I see a viola i want to hear this piece.

The cantata "Sancta Civitas" is the largest scale piece on the cd, and the emotional intensity is almost unbearable after listening to the previous works on the cd. You'll find yourself asking the question, like me, Why isn't Vaughan Williams hailed internationally as one of the most important composers of his century?

A wonderful and insightful collection. Flos Campi may be the "greatest" of the works included but they are all well worth getting to know. I do wish Flos Campi used women's voices rather than boy's voices, but aside from that it is a fine performance of an astonishing and visionary work. Sancta Civitas was RVW's own favorite among his large-scale choral works, and if I find it a bit uneven in conception it's still a riveting experience. What a shame it so rarely turns up in performance! And I have to disagree with those who feel this performance is not as good as that by Hickox; I found his to be not very subtle in approach and very oddly balanced as a recording, whereas this one does very well on both counts. As for the Oxford Elegy, it's a hauntingly beautiful work that should turn up far more than it does. Roam on, the light we sought is shining still!

My husband, who spends part of the year in Wales, particularly wanted this album, and after listening (with him) to the work, I can understand why Vaughn Williams is possibly his favorite English contemporary composer. As a retired English lit prof, I was absolutely astounded and pleased with An Oxford Elegy and it's interwoven use of Arnold's two poems. And my husband commented on how vividly V. Williams's music conjures up visions of the rolling English countryside. Williams work is just becoming available in the US, and it is a joy to hear it for the first time--and to give such pleasure to the recipient of this CD.

Oy - the things people get away with based on reputation. The beginning of this CD was ok, but as it went on and on with poor verse and predictable discordant music I prayed the misery would be over soon - but not so lucky - it went on and on and on. Shoot me now!