Vaughan Williams: Symphony No. 5 in D Major - Finzi: Clarinet Concerto, Op. 31 Philharmonia Orchestra & Michael Collins

• Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872 - 1958): Symphony No. 5 in D Major:
• 1 Symphony No. 5 in D Major: I. Preludio 12:06
• 2 Symphony No. 5 in D Major: II. Scherzo 04:58
• 3 Symphony No. 5 in D Major: III. Romanza 11:38
• 4 Symphony No. 5 in D Major: IV. Passacaglia 10:25
• Gerald Finzi (1901 - 1956): Clarinet Concerto, Op. 31:
• 5 Clarinet Concerto, Op. 31: I. Allegro vigoroso 07:56
• 6 Clarinet Concerto, Op. 31: II. Adagio ma senza rigore 11:53
• 7 Clarinet Concerto, Op. 31: III. Rondo. Allegro giocoso 08:15
• Total Runtime 01:07:11

Info for Vaughan Williams: Symphony No. 5 in D Major - Finzi: Clarinet Concerto, Op. 31

The distinguished clarinettist Michael Collins has in recent years also gained recognition as a conductor, appearing with eminent orchestras across the world. The present disc sees his recording debut as a conductor of symphonic repertoire, from which he has chosen Vaughan Williams’s Fifth Symphony – one of the composer’s best-loved works. Written during the Second World War and with its symphonic predecessor displaying a convulsive fury and desolation, the Fifth is surprisingly serene and pastoral. Vaughan Williams dedicated it ‘without permission’ to Jean Sibelius – who in his diary described his impression on first hearing the work as ‘a caress from a summer world.’ On the present release, Vaughan Williams is followed by his younger colleague and friend Gerald Finzi, who he once advised to write a symphony: ‘They're ever so easy’. Finzi was not convinced, and remains known as a composer of primarily vocal music, but among his few instrumental works is a Concerto for Clarinet, the instrument widely regarded as the most voice-like of all. For this, Michael Collins reverts to his customary role as soloist, conducting the strings of the Philharmonia Orchestra from the clarinet.

Michael Collins, clarinet Philharmonia Orchestra

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Booklet for Vaughan Williams: Symphony No. 5 in D Major - Finzi: Clarinet Concerto, Op. 31