Vaughan Williams - The Lark Ascending Part 1

I'm switching to modern equipment for a while in order to play records that were recorded too loud to play on the orthophonic. This is a request. Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending performed by the Liverpool Philharmonic Orch. conducted by Sir Malcolm Sargent. David Wise plays the violin. Recorded for Columbia in 1947. These records look unplayed but they're very noisy and the loud passages blast. Must have been postwar shortages. I tried several different stylii, equalizer settings and filters but this is the best I can do.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Vaughan
• Williams
• Sargent
• Columbia

[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.

[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.

[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....

[raphaelhudson]

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

[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.

[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 :-)