Rating: - My favourite Vaughan Williams CD set
and I like the box too: I can always pick it out among the other VW sets ;-)
A wonderful evocative 3rd, a tense war study. Not very pastoral, nor bucolic or lyrical: I do not agree much with Vernon Handley's interpretation. Rather it is the past remembered, resigned melancholy that something is not quite right, yet with self-discovery and steely determination that is discussed and evolved by the soloists. Never forget that a war demands and makes a different mindset we do not understand. ... Read More
Rating: - Haitink vs Handley: too close to call?
For a RVW set, though there are several excellent bargains to choose from, choice really comes down to two EMI labelmates: Haitink and Handley. I think the Dutchman may just have the edge on his English rival, although neither will disappoint.
This set began in the late eighties with a magnificent Sinfonia Antartica, then came an equally splendid London Symphony and then a faultless Sea Symphony. The pattern was established.
Everyone has a different idea about which of the ... Read More
Rating: - Haitink puts Vaughan Williams in a European Context
2004 was a good year for Box Sets of Vaughan Williams Symphonies. Best of the bunch is this one from EMI with Bernard Haitink conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Do not be put off by the lengthy gestation of the project, over 16 years between 1984 and 2000, there is a consistency of interpretation, performance and sound.
Haitink's first recording in the set of the 7th Symphony, the Sinfonia Antarctica is his manifesto. He takes Vaughan Williams out of the cosy world of 20th century ... Read More
Rating: - BARGAIN OF THE YEAR !!!
This must be the bargain box of 2004! Haitink's cycle of R.V-W, is excellent in every way, and the sound is first class. Strong, spacious and detailed interpretations will convince doubters (if any remain) that this is one of the great symphonic cycles.....and the fillers are excellent too. No need to hesitate.
Rating: - Vaughan Williams enters the Canon of European Symphonists
2004 Has been a good year for Box Sets of Vaughan Williams Symphonies. Best of the bunch is this one from EMI with Bernard Haitink conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Do not be put off by the lengthy gestation of the project, over 16 years between 1984 and 2000, there is a consistency of interpretation, performance and sound.
Haitink's first recording in the set of the 7th Symphony, the Sinfonia Antarctica is his manifesto. He takes Vaughan Williams out of the cosy world of 20th century ... Read More
