Recommend me the definitive Vaughan Williams 5th recording please.
Fri, Dec 7 2012, 8:36PM
Im a member of the BBC Concert Orchestra and two years ago toured this beautiful piece of music around the east coast of the states,we performed it again on Wednesday at Cadogan Hall, with Barry Wordsworth and it rekindled my love for it......can someone out there point me in the right direction regarding toward the best recording(in their opinion obviously!!)
Thanks in advance
Fri, Dec 7 2012, 8:56PM
#2
RE: Recommend Vaughan Williams 5th recording please.
Thanks for that,i think wallowy could be good!
Fri, Dec 7 2012, 10:16PM
#3
RE: Recommend me the definitive
I'd be happy with either of the recommendations above (the Handley with the benefit of more modern sound). The LSO/Hickox on Chandos is lovely, too, and I like the LPO/Haitink reading on EMI (the work's architecture strongly and patiently emphasised in that reading). And a special word for VW himself conducting the LPO at the 1952 Proms on Somm.
Sat, Dec 8 2012, 12:37PM
#4
RE: Recommend me the definitive
Yes Handley - his boxed set of the symphonies with many VW extras used to be available at an ultra bargain price and all first class. Otherwise Boult: stereo on EMI or earlier mono on Decca.
Sat, Dec 8 2012, 1:46PM
#5
Fri 7th December 2012
Not all of Haitink's V-W performances are equally successful, but his 5th stands out as one of the best in the cycle.
A safe choice would be Boult. You can't come any closer to the composer than through Boult's performances.
Sat, Dec 8 2012, 4:46PM
#6
RE: Fri 7th December 2012
I'm rather hoping the triptych of the 4th, 5th and 6th Symphonies given by the BBC Scottish Symphony under Andrew Manze at this year's Proms might be released by someone (2 discs for the price of 1, please!). Urgent, flowing performances - and fascinating to hear the 5th in the context of its 'neighbours'.
Edward Seckerson's review of the concert I thought characteristically good and perceptive:
http://www.edwardseckerson.biz/reviews/prom-46-bbc-scottish-symphony-orc...
Sat, Dec 8 2012, 8:20PM
#7
RE: Fri 7th December 2012
I'm rather hoping the triptych of the 4th, 5th and 6th Symphonies given by the BBC Scottish Symphony under Andrew Manze at this year's Proms might be released by someone (2 discs for the price of 1, please!). Urgent, flowing performances - and fascinating to hear the 5th in the context of its 'neighbours'.
Edward Seckerson's review of the concert I thought characteristically good and perceptive:
http://www.edwardseckerson.biz/reviews/prom-46-bbc-scottish-symphony-orchestra-manze-review/
Amen to that! I thought that those performances were magnificent.
The Previn/LSO is my current favourite although I also like the slightly brisker pace of Hickox with the LSO on Chandos.
Sat, Dec 8 2012, 11:14PM
#8
RE: Recommend me the definitive Vaughan Williams 5th
Hickox on Chandos is good enough with an exemplary sound. Haitink (on EMI) has passion and good sound too. Previn (on EMI) too seems to be in the core of the work, in a still very fine sound.
For more compromised sound, Boult is the safer choice I trust. Handley should be O.K. too, but I don't have his recording.
Parla
Sun, Dec 9 2012, 10:37AM
#9
RE: Recommend me the definitive Vaughan Williams 5th
A lovely symphony.Don't know if released on CD,but would be very surprised if it has not,Barbirolli with the Philharmonia are marvelous in this work,with great EMI sound.
Boult made an earlier Decca mono recording(definitely on CD) which I prefer to the stereo EMI.
Sun, Dec 9 2012, 1:24PM
#10
RE: Recommend me the definitive Vaughan Williams 5th
For me, the definitive recording is Hickox on Chandos. It has everything: Feeling, depth and musicality. (And sound)
Sat, Jan 26 2013, 10:04PM
#11
RE:
This one's a rarity
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Symphony-No-5-Proms-Nobis-Pacem/dp/B000WM86UW/re...
Sun, Jan 27 2013, 2:33PM
#12
RE: VW No. 5
Hello! There are a number of great and moving recordings of this one. My favorites include Handley, Previn (heard over the radio and want to get a copy of!). Hickox and Haitink are up there too. I also enjoy Barbirolli's recording on EMI.
I'd love to hear Boult's Decca recording! I love his No. 8 on Lyrita!!
The recording that VW directed (that Muzzer posted a link to) is thrilling to hear as it was conducted by the composer and is well-worth acquiring, but I would not suggest this one for a first recording (as it's an historic recording and sound isn't the best). This one IMHO is more for those who have fallen in love with this symphony, and are dying to hear it, and also don't have a problem with older recordings AND already have a recording or two in a bit better sound. :--)
Let us know which one you decide to get/start off with and how you like it!
Best wishes,
Petra
Sun, Jan 27 2013, 3:05PM
#13
RE: VW No. 5
Barbirolli on EMI without hesitation. Of course, the recording is oldish (1962) but he captures all the mystery and passion and makes one wonder why on earth Vaughan Williams is hardly ever played on the continent.
Mon, Jan 28 2013, 2:56AM
#14
RE: VW No. 5
Barbirolli on EMI without hesitation. Of course, the recording is oldish (1962) but he captures all the mystery and passion and makes one wonder why on earth Vaughan Williams is hardly ever played on the continent.
Hi Adrian!
Seriously?! :-( His music is played quite often over my local radio station (in the States).
Best wishes,
Petra
Mon, Jan 28 2013, 11:50AM
#15
RE: VW No. 5
I just have ordered the new version of the 5th (coupled with the 8th) by Mark Elder and the Halle. Yes, I have a prejudice as they are my hometown band and Elder is I think an unsung hero (great Verdi/Donizetti/Elgar conductor) but I have high hopes for this release!
Of those I know (and there are many I haven't heard) it's a toss-up between Previn/LSO and Handley/Liverpool Phil, Previn slightly more wallowy, Handley a touch tighter, both views work superbly.