Vaughan Williams, "A Sea Symphony", First Movement

Ralph Vaughan Williams' "A Sea Symphony", his first, is a choral symphony on a massive scale. Although concert performances of the piece are less common, due to the piece's length and required forces, the symphony is considered one of Vaughan Williams most important works, because of its stunning originality and modernity.

A Song for All Seas, All Ships.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• ralph
• vaughan
• williams
• first
• movement
• sea
• symphony
• choral
• choir
• song
• for
• all
• seas
• ships
• music
• english
• composer
• no.1
• classical

[jonyungk]

This is a magnificent performance. Who are the performers? I'd really like to seek out this recording.

[SirSebastianWang]

@jonyungk

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. I'm not sure about the conductor, however.

[Danthroy]

The Brisbane Chorale (QLD, Australia) is performing this twice this year. See our website for the details.

[jgesselberty]

This ranks as one of the most arresting symphonic openings ever written.

[lednew2010]

I forgot to mention that the Slatkin recording is about the only one I've ever heard with a truly killer organ properly balanced in. The difference it makes in the 1st and 4th movements is amazing!

[lednew2010]

Tremendous Symphony. My fav recording of this is still Slatkin/Philharmonia on RCA, but it's now out of print... maybe get it on Ebay, or some streaming service.

[edmannix1]

Love the work. The text is excerpted from the great poet, Walt Whitman, That RVW chose the American who controversially created "free verse" that we now take for granted is a real wonder to listen to whether with eyes or ears. Whitman's, "A Sea Symphony", is included in his masterwork, "Leaves of Grass". Look him up if you don't already know him.

[TheVaughan5]

This is good but my preference is still for Boult/LPO rec. 1968, very good sound and the soloists are the best of any recording in my opinion

[TK42138]

Great upload. Good to hear it in digital stereo. I've only got an old mono Naxos recording from years ago.

[slothropgr]

@SirSebastianWang Paul Daniel, it's from a Naxos DVD-audio release. To me the perf isn't quite up to Boult's or Previn's but the sound is much better, some of the best digital I've heard. The dynamic range is greater than the Handley/EMI CFP, (the former champ) and the chorus is crystal clear. Kudos to you again for the xlnt upload, again with HD and in whole files. You da man, brah.

[Fats5162]

Goldsmiths Choral Union are doing this with the RPO on 1 November in London. See GCU website. We are magnificent.

[pointreyes6]

Who's picture is that?