The greatest conductor of Vaughan Williams' works

[EdgeleyRob]

How about Sir Yehudi Menuhin conducting RVW 5 c/w the 2 piano version of the pc ?
Seldom mentioned recording but a treasured cd here.

[Roehre]

How about Sir Yehudi Menuhin conducting RVW 5 c/w the 2 piano version of the pc ?
Seldom mentioned recording but a treasured cd here.

and here

[Pabmusic]

and here

Here too.

[Keraulophone]

The much-missed Richard Hickox was one of the few conductors to have recorded not just RVW symphonies, but also several of his important choral works. When he rehearsed Flos CampI in Truro (Bournemouth SO), I remember him praising the quality of that inspired music, and wondering why it was so infrequently performed. He did the 5th with the Philharmonia in Truro Cathedral a year before he died; that glowing performance remains, for me, a fitting tribute to a man for whom British music was an overriding passion. His enthusiasm for it spread infectiously to those around him, to amateur and professional musicians alike. Had he lived to complete the RVW symphony cycle with the LSO on CD for Chandos (in superb sound), I think it would have been close to the top of the list. It's interesting that RH refers admiringly to the Boult/LPO mono set recorded by Decca with the composer present... see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnWZcwhzhc0

[BBMmk2]

The much-missed Richard Hickox was one of the few conductors to have recorded not just RVW symphonies, but also several of his important choral works. When he rehearsed Flos CampI in Truro (Bournemouth SO), I remember him praising the quality of that inspired music, and wondering why it was so infrequently performed. He did the 5th with the Philharmonia in Truro Cathedral a year before he died; that glowing performance remains, for me, a fitting tribute to a man for whom British music was an overriding passion. His enthusiasm for it spread infectiously to those around him, to amateur and professional musicians alike. Had he lived to complete the RVW symphony cycle with the LSO on CD for Chandos (in superb sound), I think it would have been close to the top of the list. It's interesting that RH refers admiringly to the Boult/LPO mono set recorded by Decca with the composer present... see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnWZcwhzhc0

A fascinating insight to arguably one of the most lamented conductors from these shores.

Thanks for the thumbs up for that clip!

[richardfinegold]

The much-missed Richard Hickox was one of the few conductors to have recorded not just RVW symphonies, but also several of his important choral works. When he rehearsed Flos CampI in Truro (Bournemouth SO), I remember him praising the quality of that inspired music, and wondering why it was so infrequently performed. He did the 5th with the Philharmonia in Truro Cathedral a year before he died; that glowing performance remains, for me, a fitting tribute to a man for whom British music was an overriding passion. His enthusiasm for it spread infectiously to those around him, to amateur and professional musicians alike. Had he lived to complete the RVW symphony cycle with the LSO on CD for Chandos (in superb sound), I think it would have been close to the top of the list. It's interesting that RH refers admiringly to the Boult/LPO mono set recorded by Decca with the composer present... see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnWZcwhzhc0

Thank you for that.
I would like to hear Hickox in Flos Compi. My recording however is very good-Vernon Handley and the Violist is very passionate.

[visualnickmos]

Slightly off-topic; would I be right in thinking that Richard Hickox was in the middle of recording the planets (not literally) for Chandos in Swansea at his sad and untimely death?

Some while ago I finalised my collection of his complete Rubbra symphonies. What fantastic recordings these are. I don't have very much else of his work, but whenever he is mentioned or written about, it is always with great praise and admiration..... I would like to sample more of his recorded output.

[EnemyoftheStoat]

Slightly off-topic; would I be right in thinking that Richard Hickox was in the middle of recording the planets (not literally) for Chandos in Swansea at his sad and untimely death?

No, it was the First Choral Symphony, subsequently recorded by SAD for Chandos and very much worth a hearing.

[Nimrod]

An interesting thread, Barbirollians, and yes, JB was a magnificent advocate of VW, not just in Manchester but often overseas. But thankfully VW's music lives on through the interpretations of living conductors, English and foreign. One name that has not been mentioned; I heard a fabulous live performance in Bedford 18 months ago......Philharmonia and Andrew Davis, and a subsequent broadcast of him with the BBC Philharmonic that was excellent.

[cloughie]

An interesting thread, Barbirollians, and yes, JB was a magnificent advocate of VW, not just in Manchester but often overseas. But thankfully VW's music lives on through the interpretations of living conductors, English and foreign. One name that has not been mentioned; I heard a fabulous live performance in Bedford 18 months ago......Philharmonia and Andrew Davis, and a subsequent broadcast of him with the BBC Philharmonic that was excellent.

Some of his BBC SO recordings were OK - others eg Job seem to lack something.

[cloughie]

No, it was the First Choral Symphony, subsequently recorded by SAD for Chandos and very much worth a hearing.

SAD?

[ardcarp]

I'd just like to second the above opinions about Hickox. He had a rare understanding of the English repertory (esp. RVW) and was fantastic with choirs. He had an unusual stick technique and didn't look like a Greek God when conducting...but I get cross when people diss conductors for such reasons. It's what they produce that counts, and IMO he knew how to elicit exactly what he wanted from his forces. Very much missed.

[visualnickmos]

Excellently put, Mr or Mrs or Ms ardcarp.

[Roehre]

I'd just like to second the above opinions about Hickox. He had a rare understanding of the English repertory (esp. RVW) and was fantastic with choirs. He had an unusual stick technique and didn't look like a Greek God when conducting...but I get cross when people diss conductors for such reasons. It's what they produce that counts, and IMO he knew how to elicit exactly what he wanted from his forces. Very much missed.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

SAD?

Sir Andrew Davis, methought.