Vaughan Williams: Symphony No. 5 / The Lark Ascending
This disc contains two of Vaughan Williams's greatest works--Symphony No. 5 (1938-43) and his suite for violin and orchestra,The Lark Ascending(1926). Chandos Records has produced a nearly flawless run in its Vaughan Williams series. Bryden Thomson captures the magnificence of the Fifth as only Sir Adrian Boult did before him. There are no others. The killer here isThe Lark Ascending. First composed in 1914, then revised in 1921 and 1926, it was is inspired by the George Meredith poem, but the music will have you on your knees in seconds. Powerful stuff.--Paul Cook