Vaughan Williams - Symphonies Nos.3 and 4; Fantasia on Greensleeves

 

  Vaughan Williams: 

Symphonies 3 & 4, Greensleeves

Leonard Slatkin

Philharmonia Orchestra

Constant Lambert, the noted English composer, critic, and alcoholic, referred to Vaughan Williams's Pastoral Symphony as sounding like "a cow looking over a barn gate." An immortal quip, no doubt, but not really applicable. The countryside being illustrated isn't English at all, but rather French--the composer was stationed there during the First World War, and this provided the music's initial inspiration. The Fourth Symphony, by contrast, sounds like an imaginary soundtrack to Godzilla Eats London. It's very violent (and very exciting), and even the composer wasn't sure if he liked it. If you like your music lean and mean, then this symphony's for you. Both works are marvelously performed and recorded. --David Hurwitz

Deeply sensitive and translucent, pointing up the richness of the colour, harmony and melody.

Slatkin’s impressive RVW series continues with splendid performances of these symphonies. Vaughan Williams’s experiences of the Great War influenced the Pastoral Symphony (1921), for it is commemorative of the fallen, and deeply mystical as well as being quietly contemplative of the landscape and evening skies. Slatkin’s reading is deeply sensitive and translucent, pointing up the richness of the colour, harmony and melody. In contrast, the anger, violence and discord of the Fourth Symphony (1934), with its rhythmical elasticity and brilliant orchestration, were thought by many to be a warning against fascism. This is a strong and biting account emphasising the sardonic humour of the work, aided by a warm, clear, spacious recording.

Performance: 5 (out of 5), Sound: 5 (out of 5)

-- Ian Lace, BBC Music Magazine