The premiere of Vaughan Williams' Symphony No. 6 at the Royal Albert Hall was an "enormous public and critical success," leading to a hundred performances in just over two years.
Performer Biography
Sir Adrian Boult, the conductor on this album, had previously conducted the premieres of Vaughan Williams' Third and Fourth Symphonies.
Composition History
Vaughan Williams' Symphony No. 6 had a preliminary rehearsal morning in December 1947, where both Sir Adrian Boult and the composer conducted, with Vaughan Williams marking his score for changes.
Interpretation
Sir Adrian Boult's interpretation of Symphony No. 5 is described as having an "extra intensity" and a "hard-won serenity" by critic Anthony Payne.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Vaughan Williams concluded a letter to Sir Adrian Boult in 1945 with the statement: 'Thank you so much for all you do for my music you make it live.'
Composition History
Vaughan Williams initially offered his Symphony No. 5 to Sir Henry Wood for the 1943 Proms, but Wood fell ill, leading the composer to conduct the premiere himself.
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Arnold, M.: Symphonies Nos. 3 and 4
Berkeley: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2
Simpson: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6 (Live)
Parry: Symphony No. 3 "The English" & Symphony No. 4
