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Early works

Donald Macleod and Ceri Owen discuss Vaughan Williams' early development, following a trajectory which shows the emerging composer drawing on a wide range of influences

Donald Macleod and Ceri Owen discuss Vaughan Williams' early development, following a trajectory which shows the emerging composer drawing on a wide range of influences

In the week of the 150th anniversary of Vaughan Williams' birth, Donald Macleod revisits a series of conversations he recorded earlier in the year with leading authorities on the composer. Each day he explores a new area of Vaughan Williams' life and music; shedding light on his central role in Britain's musical story, his posthumous impact and how we respond to him today. Part of Radio 3鈥檚 ongoing season, 鈥淰aughan Williams鈥 Today鈥, marking the composer's 150th anniversary year.

Today, the academic, writer and pianist Ceri Owen joins Donald in a discussion about Vaughan Williams' early preoccupations. Together they follow a trajectory of development which shows the emerging composer drawing on a surprisingly wide range of national and international influences.

Linden Lea
Bryn Terfel, baritone
Malcolm Martineau, piano

Serenade in A minor
IV: Romance
Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Martin Yates, conductor

Harnham Down
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
Paul Daniel, conductor

On Wenlock Edge
Oh, when I was in love with you
Bredon Hill
Mark Padmore, tenor
Britten Sinfonia
Huw Watkins, piano

The Seeds of Love, arr. Vaughan Williams
Mary Bevan, soprano
William Vann, piano
Jack Liebeck, violin

A Sea Symphony
II. On the Beach at Night Alone (Largo sostenuto)
Roderick Williams, baritone
Hall茅 Choir
Hall茅 Youth Choir
Schola Cantorum
Ad solem
Hall茅 Orchestra
Mark Elder, conductor

Producer Johannah Smith

59 minutes

Music Played

  • Ralph Vaughan Williams

    Linden Lea

    Performer: Malcolm Martineau. Singer: Bryn Terfel.
    • Deutche Grammophon : 477 5388.
    • Deutche Grammophon.
  • Ralph Vaughan Williams

    Serenade in A minor (4th mvt)

    Orchestra: Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Conductor: Martin Yates.
    • Dutton CDLX 7289.
    • Dutton.
    • 14.
  • Ralph Vaughan Williams

    Harnham Down

    Orchestra: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Paul Daniel.
    • Albion : ALBCD016.
    • Albion.
    • 3.
  • Ralph Vaughan Williams

    Oh, when I was in love with you (On Wenlock Edge)

    Performer: Huw Watkins. Singer: Mark Padmore. Orchestra: Britten Sinfonia.
    • Harmonia Mundi : HMU807566.
    • Harmonia Mundi.
    • 4.
  • Ralph Vaughan Williams

    Bredon Hill (On Wenlock Edge)

    Performer: Huw Watkins. Singer: Mark Padmore. Orchestra: Britten Sinfonia.
    • Harmonia Mundi : HMU807566.
    • Harmonia Mundi.
    • 4.
  • Ralph Vaughan Williams

    The Seeds of Love

    Performer: William Vann. Performer: Jack Liebeck. Singer: Mary Bevan.
    • Albion Records : ALBCD042.
    • ALBION.
    • 11.
  • Ralph Vaughan Williams

    A Sea Symphony (2nd mvt)

    Performer: Ad Solem. Singer: Katherine Broderick. Singer: Roderick Williams. Choir: Hall茅 Choir. Choir: Hall茅 Youth Choir. Choir: Schola Cantorum. Orchestra: Hall茅. Conductor: Sir Mark Elder.
    • Halle : CD HLL-7542.
    • Halle.
    • 3.

Broadcasts

  • Fri 6 May 2022 12:00
  • Mon 10 Oct 2022 12:00

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