Track Listing

Disc 1:

1. English Folk Song Suite, for military band: March
2. English Folk Song Suite, for military band: Intermezzo
3. English Folk Song Suite, for military band: March
4. Variants (5) of 'Dives and Lazarus' for string orchestra & harp (or harps)
5. Symphony No. 8 in D minor: Scherzo alla Marcia
6. Flourish for Wind Band, overture to a pageant for military band
7. England's Pleasant Land, pageant for chorus & military band (collaboration with others): Two Movements
8. Flourish for Glorious John (Barbirolli), for orchestra
9. Prelude on Welsh Hymn Tunes for organ No. 2 in G major ('Rhosymedre')
10. Toccata Marziale, for military band in B flat major

Disc 2:

1. The Running Set, fantasia on jig-rhythms for orchestra
2. The Lark Ascending, romance for violin & orchestra
3. Sea Songs, march for military or brass band
4. Linden Lea, song for voice & orchestra ('In Linden Lea'; 'A Dorset Song')
5. For All the Saints Who from Their Labours Rest, hymn ('Sine nomine')
6. Variations for brass band

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #281593 in Music
• Released on: 2007-04-10
• Number of discs: 2
• Dimensions: .39 pounds

Album Description
"The performances are expert, and the sound--which ranges from single wind instrument solos to a full band replete with thundering timpani and bass drum that can be felt through a subwoofer--is as good as it gets. There's a remarkable combination of presence and stage depth." -- Audio Magazine

Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) belonged in part to the English "pastoral school". By 1901 he had become intensely interested in the English folksong tradition and resolved to incorporate it into his creative work. He developed his own distinctive style, blending the folk traditions with a more advanced type of rhythm and harmony.

Customer Reviews

The usual labor of love.
For those who love Sir Ralph's music this is a treat. Most of it are arrangements for wind band that work very well. Even 'The Lark's Ascending' (for flute and winds) works great! In addition, the liner notes are thoroughly informative. This shines as a labor of love, no doubt.
Still, a few production gaffes should be mentioned:
1) All the (annoyingly long) recording hardware and sites are included, yet the simple DATE of the recording(s) is not.
2) Most track timings have been rounded to the nearest minute. Never saw such a decision being made before.
These gaffes prove even sillier in the context of such marvellous production.
3) No mention that the Lark's Acending is for solo flute and winds. Yet, the flute soloist's bio is included.
4) It would have been nice to know more about the arrangers; perhaps full names?
Still, I would not take away any stars from the fact that this is a wonderful release.