RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958): Old King Cole (London Philharmonic Orchestra; Sir Adrian Boult. Rec. 1954), On Wenlock Edge (George Maran [tenor], London String Quartet, Ivor Newton [piano]. Rec. 1955), Song of Thanksgiving (Betty Dolemore [soprano], Robert Speaight [narrator], Luton Choral Society and Luton Girls' Choir, LPO; Boult. Rec. 1951), Serenade to Music (BBC Symphony Orchestra; Sir Henry Wood. Rec. 1938).
Catalogue Number: 03J105
Label: Alto
Reference: ALC 1025
Format: CD
Price: $7.98
Description: A particularly attractive historic reissue since the 19-minute ballet Old King Cole (1923), chock-full of English folk-tunes collected by the composer, is one of VW's most neglected works. Ditto for the Song of Thanksgiving (1945), commissioned for the end of the war in Europe and with texts from the Bible, Kipling and Shakespeare. This recording of the Serenade was conducted by the work's dedicatee and its 16 singers included such luminaries as Isobel Baillie, Elsie Suddaby, Heddle Nash, Roy Henderson, Eva Turner and Walter Widdop.