Vaughan Williams Symphony No. 5

Another neglected symphonist whose nine symphonies await discovery for those patient and persistent ears is Ralph Vaughan Williams. His Fifth Symphony in D Major (1943—dedicated to Jean Sibelius, as is Bax's Fifth Symphony) is in four movements:

I. Preludio: Moderato
II. Scherzo: Presto
III. Romanza: Lento
IV. Passacaglia: Moderato

Some of the principal ideas of the work, especially in the third movement, were generated for his opera The Pilgrim’s Progress. What is remarkable about this symphony is that is it quite modern, yet not in an extrovert way like Stravinsky or Bartók. For example, the symphony opens with three conflicting tonal centers (D major in the horns, G major in the strings, and B-flat major in the basses) yet it doesn’t strike one as polytonality; such is the mastery and fine craftsmanship wrought by the composer’s mature style.

The second movement is a lovely scherzo built on fourths. The solo writing for the woodwinds is remarkable amid the technical fireworks in the strings that propel the momentum of the movement onward. There is also much rhythmic interest among the brass punctuations further along, paving the way for the solemn romanza.

The third movement is one of the most compellingly beautiful slow movements I have heard. Very interesting chordal shifts open before a lyrical solo for English horn introduces the main theme of the work. What can be appreciated and learned from in this movement is the composer’s art of pacing and creating fulfilling climaxes. Also, his use of the different instrumental choirs to aid in the listener’s perception of the movement’s formal structure is interesting. Again, excellent writing for solo woodwinds abounds and creates a strong motivic connection with the fourths of the preceding movement. This is certainly a movement from which we can all learn a great deal.

The final movement is a passacaglia. The opening motive is presented in the basses before variations on this theme are heard in different contexts (one being a blazing forth of D major in the brass followed by an introspective variation in the woodwind among string tremolos). The symphony ends quietly with a sighing string figure, which recalls the Dresden “amen” progression of the third movement.

Often, when thinking of Vaughan Williams, trifles such as Fantasia on “Greensleeves” and anachronistic modal harmony come to mind. However, his accomplishments as a symphonies must not be ignored. The Fifth Symphony is a wonderful beginning into this interesting body of work. I recommend the recording on EMI with Sir Adrian Boult conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra. This same conductor has a boxed set of the complete symphonies available on the same label should you wish to explore more of this composer’s imaginative output.

How ironic, I just got my study score for this piece in the mail yesterday. Fascinating score by the way.
I do have to say this is probably one of my favorite symphonies. I'm not a big fan of the passacagila but hey, its still pretty darn good.
I think one of the most interesting things about this entire piece is (as you mentioned) the conflicting tonalities. This comes into play particularly in the first movement but its heard throughout the entire piece. The opening horn call in D and the low strings playing a big C, wow. Just wow. Awesomeness.

Wow, what a coincidence You'll have to give us more of your impressions after study then. They would be most welcome!

I have come to this symphony after learning his Second, Third, and Fourth and I have to say that of the ones I've heard, this has been my favorite. It truly is an excellent work. You should read my posting on the Bax symphonies too. They present an interesting alternative of handling of the symphonic problem and make for fascinating study as well! Keep us posted on your thoughts!

I haven't heard it in a long time. But I remember liking it! I like basically everything of Vaughn Williams. Quite under rated as a composer.

I love this symphony, but when I heard the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, which is my local major orchestra play it, they massacred it. Vaughan Williams was probably turning in his grave. My recording of it is by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, which are one of my favourite orchestras, as they do Vaughan Williams and John Adams well.

Originally Posted by evil.doctor.cow

I love this symphony, but when I heard the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, which is my local major orchestra play it, they massacred it. Vaughan Williams was probably turning in his grave. My recording of it is by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, which are one of my favourite orchestras, as they do Vaughan Williams and John Adams well.

How can one possibly do both Vaughn Williams and John Adams well? lol
To me they are quite different in style and sounds.