The greatest conductor of Vaughan Williams' works

[richardfinegold]

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.

I've spent the rainy afternoon listening to Hickox in 3/6/8 with assorted other RVW works. I can only reiterate what a tragic loss. The detail and musicality that he gets from IV in the 6th astounding

[EdgeleyRob]

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.

Where to start vn ?

Bridge orchestral works,
Howells orchestral and choral music,
Finzi violin concerto,
Dyson symphony,violin concerto,Canterbury Pilgrims,
RVW 5 Tudor Portraits,Pilgrims Progress,
Arnold symphonies

etc etc.

Fans of British music owe him,and Chandos,big time.

[EdgeleyRob]

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.

Hear hear.

[visualnickmos]

Where to start vn ?

Bridge orchestral works,
Howells orchestral and choral music,
Finzi violin concerto,
Dyson symphony,violin concerto,Canterbury Pilgrims,
RVW 5 Tudor Portraits,Pilgrims Progress,
Arnold symphonies

etc etc.

Fans of British music owe him,and Chandos,big time.

Many thanks, er. That looks like a very good starting point.

[Keraulophone]

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?

It was while recording Holst's First Choral Symphony for Chandos that RSH died suddenly in his hotel room in Cardiff. He had been recording with the BBCNOW. Typically, it was another of those unjustifiably neglected English works that he championed. Four days later he was due to conduct Vaughan Williams's Riders to the Sea with English National Opera, which was performed in his memory.

Stephen Varcoe has written a moving appreciation of his friend: http://www.endellionfestivals.org.uk/page23.html

[BBMmk2]

It was while recording Holst's First Choral Symphony for Chandos that RSH died suddenly in his hotel room in Cardiff. He had been recording with the BBCNOW. Typically, it was another of those unjustifiably neglected English works that he championed. Four days later he was due to conduct Vaughan Williams's Riders to the Sea with English National Opera, which was performed in his memory.

Stephen Varcoe has written a moving appreciation of his friend: http://www.endellionfestivals.org.uk/page23.html

How much we miss this man, is unattainable.

[rauschwerk]

It was while recording Holst's First Choral Symphony ... another of those unjustifiably neglected English works...

Sorry but I think the neglect of this piece is justified. It's a real curate's egg. I know it pretty well, having sung it on Boult's recording. Now the Hymn of Jesus is quite another matter, and it should certainly be performed more often!

[Keraulophone]

Fair enough, rwk, as you hear it, but I'm sure you'd agree that it's useful to be able to listen to a decent recording of such an egg in order to make one's own assessment. Many listeners are unable to read a score. It may be that a charge of completism could be levelled at Chandos, ie recording Holst's choral works in their entirity in order to sell boxes of CDs. I'd like to have known Hickox's opinion of the piece. I agree re Hymn of Jesus.

[Conchis]

How much we miss this man, is unattainable.

Totally agree. I saw him in concert many times: he never disappointed.

I fear the stresses he was experiencing at Opera Australia(?) may have contributed to making him ill. He remains a great loss.

[BBMmk2]

Have you the Sir Andrew Davis recording, c/w Mystic Trumpeter?(Chandos).

[Pulcinella]

Now the Hymn of Jesus is quite another matter, and it should certainly be performed more often!

On the programme for the Christmas concert of the society I sing with, I believe.

[ardcarp]

Big non seq, but am I wrong in thinking that, as a breed, conductors are generally long-lived cf the general population? Is it to do with the aerobic exercise involved in stick-waving?

[teamsaint]

Big non seq, but am I wrong in thinking that, as a breed, conductors are generally long-lived cf the general population? Is it to do with the aerobic exercise involved in stick-waving?

self selecting group.
Minimum age for entry to the profession is about 50.

plus, its not really dangerous.



as long as you take care not to fall off the stage.

[Pulcinella]

....as long as you take care not to fall off the stage.

Happy memories of a joint school production/performance of Britten's St Nicolas in a local parish church.
The girls' school music mistress (not greatly respected by the boys) turned round to bring the audience/congregation in in one of the hymns and promptly did just that: fell off the podium.
I was on the organ, so quickly hit the full organ stop and took control until she clambered back up!

[Barbirollians]

self selecting group.
Minimum age for entry to the profession is about 50.

plus, its not really dangerous.



as long as you take care not to fall off the stage.

Worrying numbers have had heart attacks on the podium though - like poor Sinopoli .