Composer: Ralph Vaughan Williams, Edward Elgar
Works: 1) The Lark Ascending, 2) Fantasia on Greensleeves (arr. Greaves), 3) Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, 4) Serenade in E minor, Op. 20, 5) Variations on an Original Theme Enigma, Op. 36
Performers: David Nolan (violin), London Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Vernon Handley
Recording: St. Augustines, Kilburn (24 & 25 June, 1985); Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool (November & December, 1990); Watford Town Hall (30 & 31 January, 1983)
Label: Classics for Pleasure
The re-emergence of the Classics for Pleasure label, particularly through the release of this compilation featuring the works of Vaughan Williams and Elgar, offers a timely reminder of the enduring legacy these composers hold within the canon of English music. Both composers, while contemporaries, navigate distinct musical landscapes—Vaughan Williams with his pastoral lyricism and Elgar with his grand, emotive narratives. This collection showcases a selection of their most beloved works, each steeped in historical significance and emotional depth.
Vernon Handley’s direction is marked by a commendable fidelity to the scores, subtly revealing the intricate textures and thematic development inherent in both composers’ works. The Lark Ascending, with its ethereal violin line performed by David Nolan, captures the essence of nature’s beauty. The interpretation here finds a perfect balance between the rhapsodic flights of fancy and the serene moments of introspection. Handley provides an atmospheric backdrop that allows Nolan’s instrument to sing with both delicacy and intensity, effortlessly navigating the piece’s lyrical demands. The recording captures the warmth of the string texture, inviting listeners into a sonic landscape that feels both expansive and intimate.
The two Fantasias, particularly the Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, remain pivotal within Vaughan Williams’s oeuvre. Handley’s reading highlights the work’s architectural grandeur while maintaining a sense of fluidity that reflects the sacred origins of Tallis’s hymn. This performance exemplifies how Vaughan Williams bridges the centuries, melding the simplicity of Tallis’s tune with complex harmonic language. The strings here resonate with an almost reverential quality, and the recording’s clarity allows for the nuances of the orchestral interplay to emerge vividly.
Elgar’s contributions to this disc—most notably the Serenade in E minor and the Enigma Variations—display his mastery of thematic transformation and character portrayal. The Serenade flows with a charming lyricism that Handley navigates with a keen understanding of its subtleties. The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s string section exhibits a lush sound that is both rich and evocative. The Enigma Variations, perhaps Elgar’s most celebrated work, receives a performance that is both fresh and insightful. Handley’s approach to Variation 9, “Nimrod,” unfolds with an eloquence that builds to a glowing climax, characterized by the burnished tones of the horns and a beautifully integrated woodwind palette. The recording captures this moment with clarity, allowing the listener to appreciate the depth of emotion that Elgar intended.
The technical quality of the recordings, despite the varying dates and venues, remains consistently good. The engineering ensures a balanced sound stage, allowing the listener to appreciate the nuances of orchestral color and the individual voices within the ensemble. Compared with other notable recordings, this compilation stands out for its interpretative depth and the seamlessness of the performances, making it a commendable addition to any collector’s library.
This release not only honors the legacies of Vaughan Williams and Elgar but also showcases Vernon Handley’s significant contributions to British music. The interpretations are both thoughtful and engaging, delivering performances that resonate with both emotional weight and technical precision. Collectors seeking either a comprehensive introduction to these masterpieces or a refreshing rendition of familiar favorites will find much to admire in this compilation. The revival of the Classics for Pleasure label promises to keep these essential works alive for new generations of listeners, ensuring that the rich tapestry of English music continues to be celebrated.
