I only listened to the compostions I am familiar with !
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
This is a double CD of traditionally English composers, among them are 3 of my favourite composers, Vaughan Williams, Elgar and Delius. Included are the some of the works of Warlock and Butterworth which are just as notable.
William Bennett- Flute Iona Brown- Violin Nicholas Kraemer- Harpiscord Sir Neville Mariner- Director The Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields.
I love Ralph Vaughan Williams, as I was exposed to his composition and works as a youngster in wind band. Musically Vaughan Williams is famous for his woodwinds and versatility in Military Bands, but has been adapted to full orchestra. Elgar, famous for Nimrod withinthe Enigma Variations and Delius are more orchestral in their composition.
The CD
The CD opens with the title track and Vaughan Williams.
Fantasia on Greensleeves
I adore this peice being a Flautist, as it is a Harp and Flute solo to open the piece. It is a very tranquil opening, gently lilting into the traditional and well known Greensleeves tune. I always think of Henry VIII and knights in shining armour when I here this. The string section provdes a lush melody and accompanyment through out. An excellent track for beginner classics lover to start with.
The Lark Ascending
Hazy, summer days of lazying in golden fields and restiing by a babbling brook is what this fine piece of composition conjures for me! Based on a Poem by George Meredith (1828-1909) the music is written about htis carefree bird. The solo violin enters with soaring appeggios, indicating the gain of height and with a delicate winds section supporting the country folk theme feel.
The English Folk Song Suite (My favourite)
I adore this, I have musically played Principle flute, second flute and second oboe in my musical career! There are three tunes that Vaughan Williams has put in this gorgeous little suite! The musical form always takes on an ABA construction with the main theme either side of a constrasting section.
1) Seventeen Come Sunday Predominantly a tune fort he woodwinds. A nimble composition of yearning for age! There is a definite youthfulness in the compostion, which can be a little wild in places and to play as well! (If anyone has played Principle flute or piccolo in the high register bit- you'll know what I mean!!!) Imagine rounning from the farmers field being chased by shot gun, scrumping apples and messing around by the river!
2) My Bonny Boy A completely different style. A brooding, sea shanty, a lover or mother is wanting the safe return of her sea faring better half or child. Very atmospheric with low register in the winds and the lilting moody strings. You can almost imagine the sea mist coming in and watchful sweethearts waiting for the boats to come in. The piece livens up half way through, using an old folk tune, which is inspired from the Lark Ascending. After this little jolity, imagine a ye olde tavern with tankards, the piece resumes the opening theme and dies away to nothing.
3) Folk Songs from Somerset Imagine crisp green apple orchards, and gentle folding hills. The winds have it again with pinging notes along with the pizzicato from the first violins. This conjures a busy market place for me. Then an almost Naval march starts, and adds pomp and regalia to a simple melody beore returning to the main theme for the big finish! (I would recommend this suite for beginners as it is bvery pleasing to listen to!)
Peter Warlock Serenade for Strings Capriol Suite I like these, but they ar predominantly string pieces....boo!
George Butterworth A Shropshire Lad- Rhapsody Two English Idylls The Banks of the Green Willow- a popular tune most music lovers should recognise.
(These two composers are excellent but not my personal favourites)
Frederick Delius
The Walk to the Paradise Garden- from A Village Romeo and Juliet.
An opera by Delius, not totally baed on Shakespeare. This piece is written with sultry harmonies that a Debussy lover may mistake as Claude's! The Paradise Garden is a delapidated pub, not a utopic garden. This you could argue is a metaphor within the opera. The music is beautiful yet mournful as the lover decide to leave their love affair, and reflects the turmoil they both face. A delicate melange of lush melodies with saturated harmonies.
Intermezzo- does what it says- intermediate piece not outstanding.
Song before Sunrise- lovely and gentle- optimistic and characteristic of that wonderful time just before the sunrises!
On hearing the first Cuckoo in Spring- A glorious piece which is inspired by the beauty of Spring, and new hope. Lush strings and delicate woodwinds. A good basic piece to acquaint new peeps to the world of Delius.
Summer night on the river Koanga These are lovely as background music, not really fussed with these.
Sir Edward Elgar Serenade for Strings E minor Opus 20 Sospiri Elegy for Strings Suite from the Spanish lady (this is a lovely piece!) Allegro for Strings opus 47
I prefer music with woodwinds in! I like string music, but I find Elgar boring. Still a lovely slection of musical jewels!
I would recommend this CD compilation, as it is perfect for balmy summer days watching cricket, having a garden party or bbq! Quite simply some if the very best of British composition- especially Vaughan Williams! All classic lovers and players should have a copy Get patriotic and get out the Tea and Cakes!
YOu can find this CD compilation in most good music stores for under £10, or online shopping sites for around £6-£8.
Thanks for reading! I love discussing music so anybody who wants to drop me a line!!
Naomi x
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