Vaughan Williams: The symphonies

[rauschwerk]

Are you sure you didn't mean 4th and 6th? - you would be with the critical concensus there tho' I don't personally know either recording.

Previn is really too deliberate in 4 (i) and somehow fails to capture the atmosphere of 6 (iv).

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Previn is really too deliberate in 4 (i) and somehow fails to capture the atmosphere of 6 (iv).

I agree; given Previn's Walton #1 from around the same time, his RVW#4 seems all the more under-powered. There are some fine moments in both recordings, but I don't think either matches up to the astonishing insights the Musicians reveal in 3, 5, 7 & 9. (I quite like their London, but wouldn't put it on the same level of these.)

Pabs and Edgy have both mentioned Bakel: I only have his 5 & 9 disc, which is decent enough but didn't make me want to invest in any of the others. What are people's views on his "semi-set" (IIRC, Paul Daniel "took over" for Nos 4 & 1)?

[EdgeleyRob]

I agree; given Previn's Walton #1 from around the same time, his RVW#4 seems all the more under-powered. There are some fine moments in both recordings, but I don't think either matches up to the astonishing insights the Musicians reveal in 3, 5, 7 & 9. (I quite like their London, but wouldn't put it on the same level of these.)

Pabs and Edgy have both mentioned Bakel: I only have his 5 & 9 disc, which is decent enough but didn't make me want to invest in any of the others. What are people's views on his "semi-set" (IIRC, Paul Daniel "took over" for Nos 4 & 1)?

I only have Bakels 7 & 8.
The Antartica (which includes the read quotes)I find stunning and compares with the very best.

[Suffolkcoastal]

Grrr, I do not think that the 2nd is below par. Suffie, now you are ducking and diving twixt frying pan and fire!

Are you sure you didn't mean 4th and 6th? - you would be with the critical concensus there tho' I don't personally know either recording.

No, the 2nd I did find below par, I personally found it rather cool. The 6th I thought was ok, certainly better than some recordings. The worst performance I've heard of the 3rd was conducted by James Judd. I remember being fired at from all angles on that one, but Judd rode roughshod over many of RVWs indications in the score. Like many I'm eagerly awaiting a Manze set, that 5th from the Proms was for me the finest performance I've ever heard of what is may favourite work of all.

[cloughie]

I agree; given Previn's Walton #1 from around the same time, his RVW#4 seems all the more under-powered. There are some fine moments in both recordings, but I don't think either matches up to the astonishing insights the Musicians reveal in 3, 5, 7 & 9. (I quite like their London, but wouldn't put it on the same level of these.)

Pabs and Edgy have both mentioned Bakel: I only have his 5 & 9 disc, which is decent enough but didn't make me want to invest in any of the others. What are people's views on his "semi-set" (IIRC, Paul Daniel "took over" for Nos 4 & 1)?

Yes PD did finish the set - I have 2 3 5 6 9 - I echo your view Ferney - OK and pick up as an extra if the price is to your liking!

SC - I too think the Manze could be good - lets have a Job and Wasps Suite to go with them.

[Ferretfancy]

Brassbound maestro

After you original request for advice, it certainly took off ! There's only one solution BUY THE LOT!

[cloughie]

Brassbound maestro

After you original request for advice, it certainly took off ! There's only one solution BUY THE LOT!

Or wait for Manze!

[EdgeleyRob]

There's only one solution BUY THE LOT!

Or wait for Manze!

Or both !

[cloughie]

Or both !

YES

[BBMmk2]

I must say, this has certainly taken off! The mind just boggles!! Keep posting!!

[EdgeleyRob]

I must say, this has certainly taken off! The mind just boggles!! Keep posting!!

That's because they are the best symphonies ever written BBM,simples.

[Beef Oven]

Brassbound maestro

After you original request for advice, it certainly took off ! There's only one solution BUY THE LOT!

I think I did buy the lot - I can't think of a RVW Symphony recording that I haven't got

[MickyD]

Dare I ask if Norrington has ever tackled any of the symphonies? (ducks)

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

He has recorded some of them - 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6

[Beef Oven]

Dare I ask if Norrington has ever tackled any of the symphonies? (ducks)

Close the door behind you Micky!!!