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Wednesday, 17 August 2005 |
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Current Store: UK Store
Music : Hickox Conducts Vaughan Williamsfrom: British Composers
Disc 1:
Editorial Review: Amazon.co.uk Review: This slimline British Composers double-pack from EMI offers stunning value for money, cramming the contents of nearly three Vaughan Williams anthologies from the mid-1980s onto two extremely well-filled CDs--and all at mid-price, too. Performances and production values are consistently first-rate, and the pleasures come thick and fast. Under Richard Hickox's sympathetic and invigorating lead, the 1923 ballet score Old King Cole (still a considerable rarity) creates a delightful impression. There's an engaging contribution from the Sinfonia Chorus both here and in the lovely Five Mystical Songs (which finds baritone Stephen Roberts in rapt, if not perhaps always ideally steady voice). Elsewhere, the Northern Sinfonia's then leader, Bradley Creswick, excels in the bracing Concerto accademico (a title the composer later rejected in favour of the plainer Concerto for violin and strings in D minor) and ravishing The Lark Ascending, while the oboe concerto receives eminently stylish advocacy from soloist Roger Winfield. Not the least of this generous sets many attractions can be found in some of the shorter items such as the perky overture to the 1929 opera The Poisoned Kiss,, the gravely noble prelude to 49th Parallel (VW's first film score dating from 1940-41) and the jaunty Sea Songs. So, if the programme appeals (and it certainly should!), don't hesitate. --Andrew Achenbach END Average Rating:
 Rating:  - A cherishable collectionThis double CD album, a mixture of Vaughan Williams's most popular and rarely-heard music, is a cherishable collection indeed for the excellent performances contained in it, the constant delight the music affords, and the fact that both discs are full to the brim with an embarrassment of riches. Richard Hickox is a most gifted interpreter of RVW, and these performances see him - and the Northern Sinfonia - at their peak. The soloists in the concerti are also heard at their best - Bradley ... Read More Rating:  - Great Music, Great ValueA fabulous collection of Vaughan-Williams pieces including some rarities. The Greensleeves fantasia and King Cole a great fun. But for me the highlight comes in the beautiful Dives and Lazarus variations which alone are worth the askng price. Great value double disk set. Rating: - An extrememly good start for your VW collectionWhat an extremely pleasant surprise to find a 'bought on spec.' CD as compelling as this. Two of the criteria in CD selection must surely be the choice of compilation and the quality of performance; here, both are most satisfying. The selection provides a rich and colourful experience of Vaughan Williams' genius. There is a range of moods and characters in well known, and less well heard pieces that will begin, or supplement any collection and suit any mood. The quality of the performances is such ... Read More Rating: - A mixed bag, but a wonderful introduction for the newcomerThese disks provide a superb introduction to the music of RVW. Both are extremely well filled, and the playing of the NSO under Hickox is exemplary. There are rarities, such al "Old King Cole" and great favourites, such as "Fantasia on Greensleeves", but the newcomer and conoisseur alike will love rich pieces such as the "Fantasia on Welsh Hymn Tunes" and incidental works for films. I can't recommend this highly enough. Rating: - Fills in the gapsVaughan Williams, probably England's greatest symphonist, also wrote some charming light music based on English folk song. You will find a lot of this on this double CD and at bargain price. Old King Cole is a rarity but great fun. The oboe concerto is given a fine performance by Roger Winfield. My own favourite is the violin concerto, played by Bradley Creswick. The central adagio is quite ravishing. VW's lyricism is overwhelming. Surely he has composed some of the most beautiful music ever written. ... Read More Browse for similar items by category:
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