The Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis was initially received coolly by critics and underwent substantial revision before it was recognized as a masterpiece two decades later.
Compositional Technique
The fantasia is scored for two string orchestras of different sizes, with the section leaders forming a solo quartet.
Recording & Production
This recording was made live in DSD 256fs on March 15, 2020, in the Barbican Hall, London.
Composition History
Vaughan Williams's most famous fantasia was inspired by his interest in Tudor music, English folk songs, and his work editing The English Hymnal.
Performer Biography
Sir Antonio Pappano, the conductor, has been Music Director of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, since 2002 and of the Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome since 2005.
Composition History
The Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis was commissioned for the 1910 Three Choirs Festival, where it was performed alongside Elgar's The Dream of Gerontius.
Composer Biography
Ralph Vaughan Williams's maternal grandparents, Josiah Wedgwood (of the pottery family) and Caroline (sister of Charles Darwin), encouraged his musical upbringing.
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