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Donald Macleod introduces a set of miniature masterpieces for voice and oboe set to William Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience and the exuberant penultimate symphony.

Celebrating British Music: At the age of 80, Vaughan Williams married Ursula Wood. In the five happy years of their marriage, there was no let-up in the composer's productivity, writing two symphonies, more film music and a set of songs for voice and oboe. Donald Macleod introduces those miniature masterpieces set to William Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience, Vaughan Williams's colourful evocation of Tudor England for a documentary film, and his penultimate symphony, full of the exuberance of youth.

1 hour

Last on

Fri 15 Aug 2014 18:30

Music Played

  • Ralph Vaughan Williams

    Symphony no. 8 in D minor

    Conductor: John Barbirolli. Performer: Hallé.
    • NIXA: NIXCD6001.
    • NIXA.
    • 6.
  • Ralph Vaughan Williams

    The England of Elizabeth - music for the film

    Orchestra: ´óÏó´«Ã½ Philharmonic. Conductor: Rumon Gamba.
    • Chandos:CHAN 105293.
    • Chandos.
    • 20.
  • Ralph Vaughan Williams

    10 Blake songs for voice and oboe

    Performer: Janet Craxton. Singer: Ian Partridge.
    • EMI CLASSICS : 7243 5-65589 2.
    • EMI CLASSICS.
    • 10.
  • Ralph Vaughan Williams

    4 Last songs - Tired (No.2 of Four Last Songs)

    Performer: David Willison. Singer: Benjamin Luxon.
    • CHANDOS : Chan- 8475.
    • CHANDOS.
    • 10.

Broadcasts

  • Fri 7 Jun 2013 12:00
  • Fri 7 Jun 2013 18:15
  • Fri 15 Aug 2014 18:30

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