Search - Stephen Roberts, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Richard Hickox :: Hickox Conducts Vaughan Williams

Vaughan Williams --- off the beaten path

chefdevergue | Spokane, WA United States | 05/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This ample collection demonstrates that Richard Hickox has to be considered one the leading Vaughan Williams interpreters in the post-Boult world, as he puts forth sparkling performances of many little-known works, including the Concerto accademico and the film music "49th Parallel," among others. Quite a number of these compositions are rarely recorded, if ever; it is quite nice to see them in a very affordable collection such as this.



Like another reviewer, I find the affected style of Stephen Roberts to be distracting & annoying. Also, the orchestral version of the Serenade to Music is a pale imitation of the original version...if you have heard Boult's recording, you will understand that the original version is far superior. It is a shame that it wasn't included here.



These are mere quibbles, however. For a dirt-cheap price, you have the opportunity to fill in the gaps of your Vaughan Williams collection. There is no good reason to pass on this. If you stumble across these CDs (I found mine at BestBuy of all places), grab it."

Good music, played well

Michael Capizzi | Illinois, USA | 08/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"No one has ever put Vaughan Williams in the pantheon of great composers with Beethoven. Mozart and Bach. But his best music can be very, very thrilling and emotional. This isn't his best music. But who cares?! It is relaxing and always entertaining. If you know Vaughan Williams. you know that before you hear the music. If you don't, it's a great place to start. Upon absorbibg this music, there is greater possibility that one might move onto the "greater" stuff. But that's not our concern here. Take this music on its own terms. Enjoy it These CDS are great value, filled with good music, played very well and guided by perhaps the best living interpreter of Vaughan Williams music. I have been listening to classical music for alnost fifty years and this is still one of my favorite sets. Listen, smile and relax."

A gem

R. V. Wendel | NYC, NY United States | 09/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What more to say then that this set is a gem all the way. Recording, performances, ensemble all great. A fine way to get to know some lesser-known VW works too. "Old King Cole" is a real find."