jmc's classics
June 24 was the anniversary of the premier of Ralph Vaughan-Williams' Fifth Symphony in 1943 in London. It is probably his most popular symphony. he is remembered for Green sleeves of whihc "What Child is This" comes from. It was dedicated to Jean Sibelius. It borrows on themes from Vaughan-Williams opera The Pilgrim's Progress.
It premiered in 1943 at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The American premier was on November 30 1944 with the New York Philharmonic and Arthur Rodzinski conducting. It was an immediate success. It was premiered in the afternoon in order for people to go home do to fear of bombing raids. It is more cheerful in nature than the fourth Symphony. in this symphony it shoes him returning to a more romantic style that His third Symphony Called "Pastoral" like Beethoven's Sixth Symphony. It has no story behind it like some other symphonies. A Pilgrim's Progress was an opera that Vaughan-Williams wrote. It is based on the book by John Bunyan(`1628-1688). It is an allegory. I don't understand the plot of the story. It is divided in to the standard four movements: Moderato, Scherzo: Presto Misteoiso, Romanza:Lento and Passacaglia: Moderato It runs about 40 minutes. There are many recordings of the work. the one that I have is of Ander Previn conducting the Royal hon the Telarc label. It is coupled with his Fantasia on a theme by Thomas Tallis. I also Have the Second Symphony coupled with A lark Ascending Also with Previn and The Royal Philharminc on Telarc. I recommend both recordings
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