Search - Brian Rayner Cook, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Bryden Thomson :: Vaughan Williams: A Sea Symphony

Sea Symphony

03/10/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Vaughan Williams' first symphony, the Sea Symphony, is a rare gem which flaunts chorus and soloists. The opening fifteen minutes or so is probably the most dramatic music ever written. The soprano soloist has a wonderfully soaring voice which is heard well above the orchestra. The baritone equally portrays his part with depth. This recording is missing one star because the orchestra covers the choir just a bit. However, Thomson wrings every drop of drama out of the brass and orchestra. This work is a must for any classical music lover!"

Seatastic

Brett A. Kniess | Madison, WI | 10/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bryden Thomson's recording of Ralph Vaughan Williams' A Sea Symphony has been the quintessential digital version for nigh upon two decades. Although it may suffer from some minute issues, this recording is a stellar accomplishment.



Vaughan Williams chose Walt Whitman texts as the catalyst for his choral symphony; not just a tale about exploring the sea, but a larger metaphor about the experiences of life. The first three minutes are some of the most grandiose ever written, really the entire first movement takes the wind out of you. This work was the first choral/orchestral work I had ever heard, in my teens, and had forever changed my life; that is the effect of this text and music.



The symphony is in the traditional four movements: moderate 1st, 2nd slow and lyrical, 3rd a scherzo, and 4th the finale. The two outer movements are the warhorses, movement one timing at 20 minutes and movement 4 at nearly 28 minutes. The music is thouroughly romantic with varying keys, textures, tempos, moods, etc. with the typical lush Vaughan Williams. Epic is probably the best descriptor of the work without going into detail.



The London Symphony Orchestra is brilliant. The recording favors the strings and brass, sometimes the woodwinds have to fend for themselves. The chorus is good; the sopranos have an unusual timbre, the text isn't 21st century digitally crisp, and is often swamped when the orchestra is playing full; however, it gets better as the recording goes on. The soloists are marvelous; I have a special affinity for Yvonne Kenny's performance: perfection. Bryden Thomson's interpretation is great, although you occasionally feel he is just revelling in the sounds of the orchestra and chorus. This recording is the standard digital version until others come along (most recently Robert Spano on Telarc), have no fear trying this one out."