Vaughan Williams - (The) Collector's Edition

Advantages: Some great tracks
Disadvantages: Not consistently classic - but even the worst parts are quite good

...John Williams has written some truly great music for Spielberg films (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars, ET, Jurassic Park, Jaws...). Of all of these, I think that my favourite piece has to be the March from 1941. It is a shame that the rest of the score cannot live up to that one track. The march theme is heard throughout the score, but the emphasis tends to move towards reinforcing the comedy element of the film (a film starring Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi can't take itself too seriously, can it?). There is no doubt in my mind that any serious soundtrack collector should have a copy of this CD, but bear in mind that John WIlliams can, and frequently does, do better.... Read review

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Advantages: Quintessentially English
Disadvantages: I only listened to the compostions I am familiar with!

...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... Read review

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Advantages: Beautiful songs, beautifully sung
Disadvantages: None!

...Ian Bostridge is the young English tenor who's been hailed as one of the biggest talents to hit the scene for a long while. Reviewers rave about his intelligence, his ability to bring out the sense of the songs he sings, and to make the texts spring to life - all the more remarkable since he came to singing quite late: he was an academic and gained his PhD before diverting to music. His new-ish disc with pianist Julius Drake - 'The English Songbook' - is a collection of folk-song arrangements by various composers, from Vaughan Williams to Percy Grainger and Ivor Gurney, and I have to say it is a knock-out. His voice is clear, pure and sends shivers down the spine, especially when unaccompanied (there are 2 such songs on this disc). The sensitive accompaniment of Julius Drake (equally intelligent as a pianist) shines out... Read review

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