One more Vaughan Williams ?

From the very first post of mine on this matter, Vic, I mentioned that a good number of those who have participated have changed their minds or regretted their answers as not valid or satisfactory for them. The same would applied to me, if I ever tried to give any reply. Check also the response of Tagalie and others.

How can you single out any worthy piece of music, when the essence of this art is to make you listening, learning and discovering more? I would feel betraying my love, devotion and passion for Classical Music, if I had even to consider to choose a or some works (for any reason or purpose) out of this enormous wealth of incredibly beautiful, inspiring and brilliant output throughout the centuries.

By the way, check what happens with this (in)famous list of the Hall of Fame that Gramophone initiated. See the reactions and the mistakes of trying to isolate great artists, performers, etc. just for what?

Anyhow, whoever likes it, let him have it. I will refrain...

Parla

My only objection to Desert Island Discs was its impracticality. How are you going to find a power source or new batteries? How to keep sand out of the grooves?

These days with tiny little water-resistant players that store libraries full of music and solar panel chargers, no problem. Put me on alongside the surf with a case of Barbados rum (Cockspur please), a solar powered fridge full of lager, cheese and cherry tomatoes and I'm good for the duration.

So, Hugh, how goes your exploration of Vaughan Williams? Have you discovered any new treasures? :-) BTW, if you're not certain whether or not you want to sink any money currently into your new explorations of unfamiliar works, you might try your local library and check out their music collections. Sorry, I haven't followed any comments that you have made about where you live (I haven't been on the site for awhile), but if you are in the UK, I would imagine that there would be a ton of VW recordings at most libraries (don't know what the funding is like for public libraries these days where you are, but it's not good here! :-( ). !

Do let us know how you find them.

Best wishes,

Petra

Hugh,

Or maybe you need a bit of a break? Had you been listening just to his music for a big chunk of your listening time? There really are a lot of wonderful works that he's written--of course, everyone's tastes vary. One nice set (which I'm still working my way through) is on EMI; it's the "Collector's Edition" which I had heard many good things about from various music friends though I also have some other recordings of VW's music too...a number of the ones on Chandos plus a smattering of other recordings. So, as you can see, you're not alone here in your explorations of his music! Anyway, have fun with it whatever you do!

Best wishes,

Petra

The Desert Island Dics Archive is here:http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/features/desert-island-discs.

It is possible to listen to quite a few in full. In other cases, just the music played with the names of the interpreters is given. Moura Lympany was another who chose recordings only by herself.