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 Bart

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.

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.