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An English Composer

Donald Macleod explains how Vaughan Williams immersed himself deeply in the music of his home country, giving lectures on national songs from around the British Isles.

We rejoin Vaughan Williams deeply immersed in the music of his home country, giving lectures on national songs from around the British Isles and travelling with his phonograph to gather materials. Alliances are formed with Gustav Holst and Edward Elgar, and we also join the composer in his new London house, complete with a grand attic study and spectacular views over the river and the outsize chimneys of the Lots Road power station.

With Donald Macleod.

Linden Lea
Janet Baker mezzo soprano
Geoffrey Moore piano

In the night-time I have seen you riding (Hugh the Drover, Act 1)
Robert Tear, tenor (Hugh the Drover)
Sheila Armstrong, soprano (Mary the Constable's daughter)
Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Charles Groves, conductor

A London Symphony (Symphony No 2), 1st movement
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Bernard Haitink, conductor

Mass in G minor: Sanctus & Agnus Dei
Mary Seers, Janet Coxwell sopranos
Michael Chance, countertenor
Philip Salmon, tenor
Jonathan Best, baritone
Corydon Singers
Matthew Best, conductor

Ballad: The Tunning of Elinor Rumming (Five Tudor Portraits)
Robert Bourton, bassoon
London Symphony Orchestra
Richard Hickox, conductor.

1 hour

Music Played

  • Ralph Vaughan Williams

    Linden Lea

    Singer: Janet Baker.
    • EMI:575069 2.
    • EMI.
    • 8.
  • Ralph Vaughan Williams

    A Cotswold romance - cantata

    Singer: Robert Tear. Singer: Sheila Armstrong. Choir: Ambrosian Singers. Conductor: Sir Charles Groves.
    • EMI:CMS 565224 2.
    • EMI.
    • 8.
  • Ralph Vaughan Williams

    A London symphony

    Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Bernard Haitink.
    • EMI : CDC 7-49394 2.
    • EMI.
    • 1.
  • Ralph Vaughan Williams

    Mass in G minor

    Singer: Mary Seers. Singer: Michael Chance. Singer: Philip Salmon. Singer: Jonathan Best. Choir: Corydon Singers. Conductor: Matthew Best.
    • HYPERION : CDH-55220.
    • HYPERION.
    • 4.
  • Ralph Vaughan Williams

    Ballad: The tunning of Elinor Rumming

    Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Richard Hickox.
    • CHANDOS : CHAN-9593.
    • Chandos.
    • 1.

Broadcasts

  • Wed 6 Apr 2016 12:00
  • Wed 6 Apr 2016 18:30

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