5.0 out of 5 stars
DEFINITIVE PERFORMANCE OF A SEA SYMPHONY WITH BOULT, July 23, 2011
Adrian Boult recorded Ralph Vaughan Williams' A Sea Symphony twice, first for Decca in 1952 and then for EMI in 1968. Both recordings are classics for their respective eras, and each has its devout admirers, except that the one on EMI is the definitive version. The later stereo recording has enjoyed a steady run in reissues for EMI, since it has better sound quality than the earlier mono version, which in contrast pops up only occasionally on smaller labels and is rarely available. This performance is one of the most stirring on record, with brilliant solos by soprano Sheila Armstrong and baritone John Carol Case, ecstatic singing from the London Philharmonic Choir, and resolute ensemble playing from the London Philharmonic Orchestra. This marvelous recording certainly takes pride of place among numerous later efforts, notably those by André Previn and Richard Hickox, and is required listening for all fans of this glorious epic masterpiece.
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