Vaughan Williams - The Lark Ascending Part 1

[hamasburi]

Score and Orchestral parts for The Lark Ascending can be found at SheetMusicX [dot] com

[MrDebussy1]

I actually prefer high end separates versus any computer interface. My references are usually live recordings for which I know how the performance was recorded, as I was there. The microphones used, where and how many, and the venue, all the way to the sound of the air handler to audience noise. All give an excellent reference to the accuracy and transparency to a high end system. Having a recording engineer/audiophile friend certainly helps....I do love records though..lots of fun indeed...

[MrDebussy1]

I actually prefer high end separates versus any computer interface. My references are usually live recordings for which I know how the performance was recorded, as I was there. The microphones used, where and how many, and the venue, all the way to the sound of the air handler to audience noise. All give an excellent reference to the accuracy and transparency to a high end system. Having a recording engineer/audiophile friend certainly helps....

[MrDebussy1]

Yes, the pressing maybe poor but the music, the work itself, is gorgeous. I can't critically listen via You Tube, being an audiophile, and from that standpoint, hence why I was curious on your playback cartridge. The mil issue on stylus, for various 78 label pressings is an interesting one as suggested. Although, I clean, with a special formula for 78's, via my VPI cleaning apparatus, there is onlu so much that can be done. Careful selection of cartridge is critical. Happy Listening!!

[merrihew]

@MrDebussy1 Its possible to hook up a computer to a high end sound system resulting in considerable improvement. However, if the source is inferior, a good sound systyem will exaggerate the deficiencies.

[MrDebussy1]

Curious, what catridge do you utilize for 78 playback on the Numark? I use a Grado 78e for 78's on my Numark and then on my reference table, a VPI TNT 6, for 33 playback, I use a Lyra Titan. The Lark Ascending is gorgeous, I have several pressings of the piece and have been fortunate to see if performed live several times as well.

[merrihew]

@MrDebussy1 Actually, I think the sound is rather poor - at least compared to other discs of the same period. I'm using a Shure M44 cartridge with a 3.5 mil truncated elliptical stylus made by Expert Stylus in England. I also have a Shure V15 Type IV with the same stylus but there's not much difference. Being truncated avoids plowing up the debris in the bottom of the grooves.

[NameNotaNumber]

Wow, very different from more modern versions I have heard, just goes to show how general trends in interpretation must change over time. I love the old sound and the crackles, they really add to the impression of age and bring a lovely atmosphere to the piece.

[raphaelhudson]

@NameNotaNumber Actually I find the faster tempo catches the impersonation of the lark much better than the usual modern tempos.

[gurnsalotsteadman]

this tune makes me think of my dad i love it im writing this wid tears rolling down lol minds me of walking wid him when i was younger. the eastern thing is just the sound of the record. it hurts 2 say this but it sounds better on cd n i love vinyl. But its a tune anyways :-)

[fctorino]

Merrihew: Thanks for all the efforts.

[fctorino]

Why does it seem either like a 45 rpm or 78 rpm record when it looks like a 33 1/3 rpm record? What sort of turntable is this?

[merrihew]

It is a 78 rpm record. The turntable is by Numark.

[inaband]

one of my fav pieces at the moment - i want that record!

[tommyk77]

i love this piece. is it chinese? englsih? otherworldly? who knows...

[rexhorse]

It´s english. The composer is Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958). One of the best classical pieces from England

[tommyk77]

I know that! lol. I'm talking about the images the music creates. I know Vaughan Williams is picturing a skylark flying over the countryside of England, but when i first heard this the pentatonincs reminded me of the east.

[ewok84606]

me too!

[chilck]

That's because the music is based on the pentatonic scale, which is much used in eastern music.

[dagnut]

Thanks for that I would be ignorant to a lot of musical terms, it does remind me of eastern music

[kspm01]

As you said, it must be due to post-war material shortages, for many 20's - 30's recordings sound better. Although Sir Adrian Boult's recording of this genious piece is still my favorite, this is a wonderful interpretation as well.

[transformingArt]

Bravo! What a Nice Performance indeed! (But as you said, it has quite a lot surface noises compared with some pre-WWII record postings you played on your Modern Equipment..)

[mrrk]

Nice video, but please, try and keep your background noise quite. Too much shufflings & russellings of paper, very distracting.