Vaughan Williams - Symphony no. 5 in D. 3rd movement - "Romanza".
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- Опубликовано: 28 сен 2024
- I think this is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written; inspired by the westcountry, the search for spiritual peace and a deep, deep humanity.
Vernon Handley conducting the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in an EMI recording from 1986.
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This is one of the most beautiful pieces ever written. I first heard this as a child and it changed me forever. Each time I hear it, it produces tears of emotion in my eyes and uplifts my soul. He was a genius - and his vision has lived with me throughout my entire life.
60 years ago, this music caused me to change my college major from science to music. I never had any regrets.
Hi Peter,
Looking back to 25yrs ago, I wish the courage of your convictions to do the same. I don't regret pursuing a degree in science (astrophysics) because it has led me to amazing things. However, even now when I attend a concert, I have to restrain myself from conducting the performance in my chair :-D
I love VW's music, especially the Fifth. It is like a sacrament, but one for all people, no matter what belief or non-belief they have. It opens a portal to a shimmering paradise, a glimpse of what could be, yet at the same time holds up a mirror to show us the tragedies of our human existence. And it soothes the soul. That radiant and serene end takes us to a place we all long for.
This music has such beauty it is almost painful.
Scot Peacock No truer words were written. Spot on sir.
***** Thank you :-)
I'm doing both.
William Ford I doff my hat to you, sir :-)
At the premier performance of Vaughan Williams's 5th Symphony in London in 1943 (after four years of war) instead of applauding at the end, the audience sat in silence for two or three minutes before applauding- they were simply knocked out by the work. This was reported in all the newspapers at the time. What a magnificent tribute to this great work.
It had the same effect on the recording engineers evidently. One of the WO's (Women Operators) had tears streaming down her face...
Can you imagine what it must have been like to hear this work in the middle of London Blitzkrieg? How tough and strong the London people must have been to get through all the terrorism of round the clock bombing raids, then hear this music? Music amidst the terrible destruction and death?
@@thomasromano9321 Similar to the premiere of Dmitri Shotakovich's 7th Symphony during the siege of Leningrad on March 5, 1942?
I am 82 years old and am happy to join the ranks of all those GROWN MEN who are bought to tears by this INCOMPARABLY BEAUTIFUL MUSIC.
I was born and raised in Northern Worcestershire on the fringe of the Black Country and have lived in the USA now for over 50 years.
I like to say I was born in the same place as Elgar and next door to the Great VW.
I am now 82, sitting in the doctors office waiting for my wife, thanks be to MODERN MEDICAL SCIENCE.
Ah here she comes.
Best wishes to you all, and eternal thanks to the Great VW
Oh! The comments. This is the best comment thread on the planet. Just a pure joy. Thank you, everyone. And thanks for posting, Scot. It's been a pleasure to enjoy RVW my whole life, and will be the whole rest of it.
I fought shy of VW's music until I was nearly 30 years old. Then one summer's evening I heard this symphony performed at the proms in London (on the radio). The delicate opening of the first movement moved me beyond words, almost unaccountably so. Suffice to say that listening to this gorgeous Romanza, the tears were running down my cheeks. It continues to move me over 30 years later, and I'm happy to say that I adore RVW's music, after that "Oh well, let's give this old bugger a chance" shaky beginning. Love at first listen
It was premiered during the proms in 1943.
I too "grew into" RVW's music. Now I can barely get enough.
2:33-4:01 and 7:54-9:34 Quite possible some of the greatest music ever written by humanity on this earth.
I thought this was the most sublime piece of music in the world the first time I heard it, as a student at the Royal College of Music in the late 1970s. Deeply haunting and bittersweet. And an awesome performance from Handley and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. Thank you for posting this gem.
This and the second movement of Sibelius 3rd symphony are two incredibly beautiful pieces. This symphony was also dedicated to Sibelius.
I was driving down the road...I heard this on the radio...had to pull over to figure out who wrote this. Oh my God...
Yes, that was my reaction when I first heard this: 'oh, my God!'It's so beautiful it almost hurts.
The number of grown men who freely admit being moved to tears--myself included--is refreshing.
What a gift VW left us.
The man was a true genus. Thank you for sharing this stunning recording of this wonderful movement!
If you asked me back in my college days what my favorite classical piece was, I wouldn't have been able to make up my mind and I'd have given the whole generic "Oh, there's so many, I can't pick one" answer.. but ever since I've discovered this piece six years ago, it's always been this one. I actually have a favorite now lol. I swear, Ralph Vaughan Williams is way too often overlooked with his work, and this movement (the whole symphony is amazing too) just captures magnificent expression, emotion, and yes.. even something spiritual in a sense... It's like something reaches deep into my being and just spirals inward and outward.. There is pain in it's beauty but a very good pain.. a very raw and naked sense of humanity. It gives a sense of longing, loss, turmoil, but instead of it just dropping you off somewhere to abandon you, it lets you off gently giving you something even stronger at the end... hope.. and perspective.. Six years later, I still can't listen to this work without a lump in my throat...
... Okay... maybe more than a lump.
I hear you. It gets me every time, too.
Damn right!
I sometimes feel that Vaughan Williams is too often overlooked in the classical music repertoire. He had such a great talent for harmony & rich orchestration!
Marcus: absolutely! In the last two years the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra did a complete cycle of his symphonies. Every one was an event! Waonderful music. The orchestration was incredible.
Not overlooked -- so deeply embedded that it is almost redunadant to talk about him. Just as Sibelius (Williams' key influence) is deeply embedded in all sorts of funk and disco from the Theme from Shaft, to Philly Funk like Brick House, to Voulez Couchez avec Moi.
I used to listen to this symphony a lot many years ago. It was my favourite of VW's longer works, along with maybe the 2nd Symphony. Tonight I got it as a recommendation on RUclips - and back came the wet eyes.
I'm very happy it affected you so profoundly. It does the same to me.
I still come back every now and then to play this beautiful piece. I was sadly reminded that back on March 2nd this year, my Mom and I were talking about beautiful sounding orchestral pieces. On the way home from an eye doctor appt. I told her of this exquisite movement and that I would play it for her. Several hours later that day my Mom suffered her 3rd stroke. She passed away two weeks later. I never had the chance to play this for her. I hope that she hears it now in Heaven!
The epilogue of this symphony also is so beautiful the best of any ever written .
In the summer of 1994 I was on a bus tour of Europe. On part of this trip, our group spent several days in the town of Zermatt, Switzerland. The town is only accessible by train and motor vehicles simply are not permitted. One beautiful morning, I had this gorgeous movement playing on my Sony CD Walkman. With the serene music playing in my earphones, I had the most stunningly clear view of the Matterhorn. It represented to this day one of the most eloquent 15 minutes of my entire life.
4th movement of Mahler 5 comes close, but for me this is the most beautiful music ever written. I've listened and performed a lot of it over the years. This movement moves me every time.
Wow, you've performed in this piece. That's amazing. I take my hat off to you, Sir. To have the ability to enjoy this at that level and, with your playing, to allow others to enjoy it too is truly a gift. Thank you :-)
Impossible to listen to this beautiful work without tears. Sublime.
I am a metal and rock lover and I only came across Sir Williams when I happened to heard this symphony in school in music class and by God am I in love with this piece, it has everything that a metal lover looks for, brilliant transition, mesmerizing music and out of this world sequencing. HAIL Vaughen Willaims HAIL
Masterful in its complexity, genius in its technical brilliance. Speaks directly to my soul. This music is a far cry from the trash that is churned out in 2021
I saw a dynamite high school Orchestra play this at the New Mexico Music Educators conference a number of years back. Vaughn Williams music contains so much passion. If you are in love or have a broken heart it can be too intense to listen to.
+strawnobi Yes, it can take you to places you're not quite ready for. However, if you are prepared to go with it, this music can bring such a cathartic release x
I played in that Orchestra, and I come here frequently to listen to this piece and remember that time on stage! I am so honored it has stuck with you too.
@@kalliwheeler8144 I was a teacher in Hobbs at that time. I went out and bought a CD of this piece after your performance. I’ve always loved Vaughn Williams.
Thank you for all of your thoughtful comments. I'm glad you all respond to this music in such a special way.
It is a very gentle, powerful and spiritual work. It shimmers in a way that is unique to Vaughan Williams. He captures the glow of the westcountry, the region he used to cycle round when he was young, collecting folk songs in the pubs.
This recording is on the EMI label, performed by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted by Vernon Handley.
Exquisite, I can never listen to this without a catch in the throat....
I know. Even listening to it in my head can do that to me. Amazing work!
Hollywood composers adore this humble and silent genius!!!
The climax at 8:56 is the most stirring, emotional music I've ever heard. When the horns come in to echo the strings' Hallelujah motif, it sends shivers down my spine and tears well up in my eyes. I love all RVW music, but this is transcendent.
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I understand how much this music can mean to you. My father is very ill at the moment. I heard this piece live just last week in Glasgow and it helped me to release emotion. It felt really good to cry for my father; it didn't matter if it was in the middle of the concert hall. This music would not leave a dry eye in the house. I hope that your mum can hear the music through you :-)
I'm so glad this was included yesterday in the funeral music for Queen Elizabeth II. It is so quintessentially English and, even though it was played on the great organ of Westminster Abbey rather than in its orchestral home, it continues to evoke a time and place in English history that is unparalleled in our modern time.
Inis vitae sed non amoris.
A beautiful piece of music, excellently performed, and set to a very sensitively and intelligently selected collection of photographs. Thank you Scot for the upload.
Tom Nutts Thank you, Tom. Glad you like the presentation. That part of the westcountry means a lot to me. Odd that, coming from a Scotsman ;-D This music, amongst other things, conjures up the soft glow of that part of the world. Mmmmm.
This is amazing! I love the strings. I feel good others appreciate the finer things in life.
Thanks, Ted. It does help to alleviate the crap that life throws at us :-)
I'm listening to this with tears flowing - such a beautiful piece of music , sublime!
It's Vernon Handley conducting the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. His cycle of VW's symphonies is, arguably, the best and certainly the most consistently excellent set of recordings: very passionate, deeply searching and highly sympathetic to VW's sound world. And they're only £15 from Amazon - an unbelievable bargain!
Towards the end, dad stopped being affected by this. I knew he'd loved it and been emotionally attached to it. The last time I played his old vinyl copy with Sir Thomas at the stick; I knew he'd as good as gone. RVW may be sometimes accused of clumsy instumentalisation, or overusing themes, but when he got it all clicked together, it is more beautiful than I could ever explain.
I will never not be affected by this.
That's a very moving story, James, and a real kindness for your dad if this was the last thing he heard :-)
Thank you for sharing.
+james l turner I still have that old mono recording, but I know I'll never listen to it again. Some things are never the same without those who brought the magic into your life.
+james l turner I understand that one. Is it possible to create new special memories of your own with a different recording?
Wow, beautiful quote for a beautiful piece of music! Thanks.
I am 73 now, Mick Sargent, 7 years later. I was a drummer. I got for my Birthday some new Zildjian Cymbals and my father objected to the price. And my parents had their ritual fight.
I put on the turntable the whole of the 5th Symphony knowing I would come to the third movement. It was to me a quiet place in a time of war and I thought about war and peace. It changed my life. I was not alone. But I was responsible to never deliberately make others feel alone. "and that has made all of the difference." (Robert Frost)
This is a terrific reading of this piece as well. The other VW that always gets me is his Five Variants on Dives and Lazerus.
My appreciation of VW's music grows more and more, and now this incredible work.
Amazing !!
Excellent work with the Images, Scott Peacock!
Hi David. Glad you are getting more and more from this amazing and, I believe, under-rated composer. The 5th comes from somewhere else. It is not from this world :-)
Just been introduced to this sublime music by my son. This invokes the same overpowering feelings of nature's splendours as when I listen to Sebelius's symphonies, particulary nos. 2, 5 and 7. Not being morbid but if I could chose some music at the time of my departure from this life, it would have to include both composers! Hopefully not just yet though as I I'm sure there is more "unknown" music to discover. David - Pant Valley Artist.
+Pantvalleyartist Bravo! That's as good a reason as any to stay on this planet :-)
RVW actually dedicated this symphony to Jean Sibelius.
Funny, I've wondered about what music I'd like at my funeral. I've thought about Vaughan Williams, but then again, I'd also like the Indiana Jones theme :-D
I think Bax also dedicated his 5th to Sibelius.
based on your comment I suggest the Indiana Jones played by kazoo
MsBoldface: I haven't heard The Pilgrim's progress, but you can hear the same 'progress' in the symphony, the struggle from darkness to redemption/nirvana/peace.
Saunders2159: I heard a live performance of the 5th in Glasgow's Kelvingrove Museum, which has a large, cathedral-like space. It was such a moving, powerful performance. My friend who came with me said afterwards, "that felt like an empowerment" (a Buddhist spiritual initiation which almost always induces a quiet bliss in the meditator)
@djohnnyf I completely agree with you. VW's music is about the human spirit finding peace--but wedded to the countryside, where one can only find true peace. Why VW's music is not more in the music hall is a complete mystery to me. God knows humanity is in need of it now.
As i was saying... the Romanza evokes the true spirit of the English countryside : the rapturous sound of birdsong in a sunlit woodland in Spring ; and when a summer breeze gently sways the rich tapestry of the canopy; and when equinoctial gales cause the leaves to swirl and fall into shifting folds on the woodland floor, before the winter snows reveal the intersecting tracks of the wild.
In essence, this glorious sound evokes the spirit of Nan Whins Wood in Cockersdale, my spiritual home.
For me it evokes the Westcountry, particularly Somerset and its soft glowy light.
So beautiful! ❤️
+Amy Jones Hi Amy. Yes, I have to agree. It's so beautiful it's almost too much to bear! Glad you like it :-)
@YourGreatPotential Thank you. This recording was Vernon Handley conducting the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. I have his box set of the symphonies - phenomenal!
What more can a mere human being say about this awesome piece of music.
VW was, without a doubt, one of the greatest composers of all time.
I LOVE Brahms, and many other composers but VW has a unique ability where he takes the best of nature and mankind and transforms it into an unbelievably beautiful gift that he has given to his fellow man.
I have to stop to go and find a Kleenex to wipe away the tears of joy and peace and pure contentment.
No god or religion can compare to the music of the great VW.
That is such a beautiful response. Go find that Kleenex. This music transforms us. It shows us a brief, shimmering glimpse of some other place. We are taken somewhere else.
Thank you.
Thank you, too :)
jlmusicfan: These sublime moments are indeed rare. Thank you for sharing that memory :-)
If a peace touches one's Soul this does it for me, Bye for now love Alan 👨🏫️
Divine....as is his Lark Ascending
from 2:30, probably the most wonderful 90 seconds you can give your ears known to mankind.
I love RVW's music to bits !...he's the father of the neo-English revival based on the English folk song ,of which borrowed heavily but truly English and lit the path for others to follow ; Butterworth ,Holst , Gurney ...breaking away from the Germanic schooling which was behind the music in Europe and part of the R.C.M's forte at that time under Hubert Parry and Villiers -Stanford to name a few .....it became purely English in it's own right !....beautiful music !.
+joxer cat Yes, I agree. He seems to capture an 'otherness' that I find unique in the glow of the English landscape, particularly in the south west. It does not describe Scotland or Wales, but England! I'm Scottish, so why do I respond to this (he asks with his tongue slightly in his cheek)? This music has a spiritual glow, like the westcountry that inspired him. It goes deep. VW captures a shimmering vision that only ever existed in our imagination, in our mind's eye. But that does not makes them less real.
I think VW, with the stroke of a great painter (to mix metaphors), bathes his symphonies in an inner light. This is music of yearning, revelation and peace; and conversely, some of his other work reveals the deepest hells of our psyche. He gives both our angels and demons the most eloquent, truthful and, above all, beautiful voices.
Hi Caroline, my name is Scot. It's a pleasure to meet you :-)
Yes, this music comes from a lot of love, but concern too - passion and compassion together !
I don't think anyone has yet mentioned the connection between this symphony, and especially this movement, to the composer's opera ("morality", he called it) The Pilgrim's Progress, based on Bunyan's book, but re-naming Christian as Pilgrim to make it more universal. Listen to the opera and see how this music is given a further spiritual dimension.
Beautiful accompanying images.
@1970SWP: Oh, I did see your reply now. So cool, as I will be getting this for X-mas this week, along with 29 other wonderful VW CDs on the EMI label. I'm thrilled! Thanks again for posting.
Thank you. You're very welcome. This is a stunning recording, isn't it. The late vernon Handley conducted. I think he got RVW right on the button. His complete cycle of symphonies with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic are consistenly excellent and some recordings are the finest there is. And it's only £15 on Amazon. Bargain. If you want to hear the complete recording of the 5th, I have uploaded the entire symphony in one of my playlists.
Quite frankly, Mr Peacock, it has to do with Vaughan Williams fearing that he would never finish his long-sought-after opera, "The Pilgrim's Progress." But, I do agree with your sentiments about a "spiritual peace" and a "deep humanity." That is the Pilgrim, Christian, seeking out his long-sought-after goal: the Celestial City. The third movement is a moment of repentance and reflection, what have you, before he continues his journey onward toward the Celestial City. But then again this is Art, and you can see and hear in this beautiful movement what you will. Yes, it is VW at his compositional and orchestrational best. :)
That's why I love music: you bring to it what's already inside you. The fact that this music came from The Pilgrim's Progress must have had an influence on my thinking. But even so, for me, it feels like a very searching piece, one that doesn't find resolution or complete peace until the very final chord.
Bradley Evans and
Beautiful; thanks.
I love the photo of Glastonbury Tor.
Today this will be played at the funeral of HRH The Queen
May she rest in peace
Beautiful modal harmonies.
Although I was born and brought up in Scotland, I have family in Somerset and Cornwall, I used to date a girl from Bath and I lived in Cornwall for 8yrs so I have a close connection with the south west. And yes, VW's music reminds of that special Somerset glow :-)
Me evoca a los polos, como si hubiera estado en esos lugares en otra vida.
I did the 4 decades of jazz and blues from 1910 - 1950, and jazz is my favourite genre of music so I was quite pleased when I found out that's what we were doing! I feel slightly apprehensive about that question though because I seemed to finish it quite early, but I feel I exhausted my entire knowledge onto it!
What/where are you studying next year?
Thanks, Roy. Yes, I adore this movement. If you like this one, you'd probably also like the 2nd movement from his London Symphony. It has more of a tragic feeling and less of a visionary mystical one, but it still very beautiful.
I feel exposed to great power, Bye for now love Alan 👨🏫️
makes me want to visit Europe before I die !
This beautiful, serene composition is being played at Queen Elizabeth 11 funeral in a few hours....
Vernon Handley conducting the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. I would like that it was put into description of the video.
+Sam Peckinpah was a classical composer Sure, Sam. I've upated the blurb. There's even a link to Amazon. Enjoy :-)
+Scot Peacock so you checked the timings and phrasing... Mr. Handley was a great conductor.
+Sam Peckinpah was a classical composer
I didn't need to check. It was me who made the video from the CD. I have Handley's box set. Wonderful interpretations at a very low price. Incredible bargain!
www.amazon.co.uk/Nine-Symphonies-Other-Orchestral-Works/dp/B00006J3LP/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1458114600&sr=1-1&keywords=vaughan+williams+handley
10:49! It should be over by then. Just about everybody plays this piece too slowly. VW set the tempo at 10:15 when he conducted the London Philharmonic (I think) back in the early 1940's and is a bit more upbeat when played at his tempo. 11 minutes can just about be got away with but at 12 minutes and above its waaaaay too slow.
I’m just listening to this at work (nightshift) 05:45
Ahead of Queen Elizabeth’s service 😢
Beautiful 😮
Possibly.
I like it just the way it is.
I wonder when we'll be ready!
thank you for your very kind words, sir!
Thanks, Ecurb. I believe the music helps inspire us to contemplate and think positively :-)
VW's "London Symphony" also very moving, especially the atmospheric opening and the slow movement.
Henry Brenner The slow movement of the London is heartbreaking. I think VW was a massive of deep, caring feelings.
Was not aware of this piece, just looked it up because it is to be played at the abbey for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth.
Thank you very much :-)
PS I have posted up the whole symphony.
@saunders2159 I heard this live last year in Glasgow's Kelvingrove museum. It was indeed almost too much to bear. The museum has a large interior space like London's Natural History Museum. The acoustic was very resonant and cathedral-like; perfect for this music. It was a very moving and spiritual experience.
@TK4218 I'm really glad this video has had such an effect on you. VW is still working his magic :-)
If you ever get a chance, go hear this live, preferably in a church, cathedral or similar acoustic. It reaches out to something greater than we can conceive on this planet and this effect ignites and is directly experienced when heard in a building that was built for the same purpose :-)
Hi Caroline, just to let you know I've posted up the whole symphony. No photos of the westcountry this time, I'm afraid. But I have used the front cover of the CD's original release, which is of a Somerset field at sunset :-)
Thanks Scot, beautiful. The solo violin always gets me at the end.
Have the heard the new CD by Andrew Manze, No. 2 and 8?
+David Myers No, I haven't but I know Manze is a great interpreter. I heard his cycle of Vaughan Williams symphonies with the BC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, performed over a two year period in Glasgow. Breathtaking!
Thank you :-)
A wonderful piece of music
Should be played at the cenotaph as Vaughan Williams
Served in the World War Two
George butterworths
The banks of green willow
Should also be played at
Cenotaph as he died in battle
Of the Somme on 5 August 1916
Lovely music but not played
Enough
You're welcome. Yes, it is very difficult to describe how beautiful it is. But we try :-)
Wow. Good luck with that. I'm thinking of taking up music studies. What would I need to do before I could study at A-level?
I would be very interested to hear Boult's versions. Handley was Boult's understudy/protégé/student. How would you say Boult's interpretations differ from Handley's?
@JaceXander how was the performance?
What is the image at 4:17?
@TK42138 Another composer that has a similar effect on me is Korngold. In these boorish times, I regularly play Stephan Genz version of 'Mein Sehnen, mein Wahnen' (on RUclips) just to connect with someone who, like Vaughan Williams, had such humanity himself and such an ability to move his fellow man.
lovely conversations going on in these comments (for a change on RUclips)...keep it up everyone. (particularly Scot + Caroline!)
Take me there.
Come with me :)
yeah it was, howd it go??
"Like" on 28 August 2017
How did the exam go?
Its like Blake and Samual Palmer in musical form
Queen Elizabeth II put me on.
💓
Get on over here :-)
I think a few of us have had similar thoughts :-)