Works by Ralph Vaughan Williams: Exquisite Interpretations by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Composer: Ralph Vaughan Williams
Works: Flos Campi (1925), Oboe Concerto (1944), Symphony No. 5 (1943)
Performers: Christopher Balmer, viola; Jonathan Small, oboe; Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir (chorus master Ian Tracey); Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra/Vernon Handley
Recording: Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, September 1986 and 30 November/1 December 1990
Label: EMI CLASSICS FOR PLEASURE 72435753112

Ralph Vaughan Williams stands as one of the towering figures in English music, a composer who synthesized folk traditions with the broader European symphonic landscape. This re-issue of a recording featuring his Symphony No. 5, along with two lesser-known works, provides an opportunity to delve into a pivotal moment in British music history. Composed during World War II, the Fifth Symphony reflects a deeply introspective and, at times, serene response to the tumult of its time. The juxtaposition of this symphonic work with the more idiosyncratic Flos Campi and the amiable Oboe Concerto creates a varied exploration of Vaughan Williams’ stylistic breadth.

The performance of the Fifth Symphony, conducted by Vernon Handley, is the undisputed highlight of this disc. The orchestra’s execution of the score is both majestic and nuanced, with Handley’s pacing allowing the music to unfold organically. The entry of the trombones at the apex of the first movement emerges with an almost regal quality, balancing power and restraint in a manner that feels almost transcendent. This moment not only showcases the orchestration’s richness but also Handley’s ear for dramatic contour, placing climaxes with a painter’s precision. The lush string tone in the central Romanza evokes a sense of yearning that is quintessentially Vaughan Williams, with the woodwind solos gliding effortlessly above the texture, adding layers of poignancy.

In contrast, Flos Campi presents a more challenging listening experience. The work’s blend of chorus and solo viola, while innovative, can feel somewhat disjointed. The orchestration leans on the sumptuous harmonies reminiscent of Ravel, but the thematic material often lacks the cohesion that characterizes Vaughan Williams’ more successful works. The performers, however, exhibit commendable dedication; the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra plays with commitment, and Balmer’s viola offers a plaintive counterpoint to the chorus, though the work’s overall effect remains elusive. This performance certainly does not shy away from the work’s complexities, revealing a nuanced understanding from both the conductor and orchestra.

The Oboe Concerto follows, and while it is undoubtedly charming, it pales in comparison to the symphony. Jonathan Small’s performance is adept, bringing a lightness to the piece that highlights the oboe’s lyrical qualities. However, Vaughan Williams’ writing here does not evoke the same depth as Strauss’s contemporaneous concerto for the instrument, often settling into a pleasant yet unremarkable exposition. The lack of textural variety and dramatic development makes the work feel more suited for performance than for deep listening; it resonates more with the performer than the audience at large.

The recording quality of this disc is commendable, capturing the orchestral textures with clarity while maintaining an inviting warmth. The balance between the various sections of the orchestra allows for the intricate interplay of voices to emerge, particularly in the symphony’s more complex passages. Compared to other recordings, such as the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s rendition under Kees Bakels, this performance emerges as a benchmark for its interpretative depth and sonic richness.

Vernon Handley’s interpretation of Vaughan Williams’ Fifth Symphony stands as a stellar achievement within the context of the composer’s oeuvre, marking a definitive recording that captures the essence of the piece with both fidelity and emotional resonance. While Flos Campi and the Oboe Concerto provide interesting, if not entirely successful, diversions, they serve to illuminate the depth of Vaughan Williams’ artistic vision. This release is not only a valuable addition to any collection but also an essential listening experience for those wishing to explore the nuances of one of England’s most significant composers.

Tom Fasano has been writing reviews of classical music recordings for the past quarter century. He's finally making them public on this blog.