Vaughn Williams: Symphonies Nos. 7 and 8

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra;
Bakels, Kees

8.550737

Kees Bakels gives powerful, intense performances of two of the more problematic works, written towards the end of the composer’s career, when he deliberately defied symphonic convention. The Antartica is particularly impressive, helped by vividly atmospheric recording that, with superb wind-machine—and beautifully captures the ethereal sound of Lynda Russell singing off-stage. Bakel’s fast speed for the opening movement tautly draws together a structure which can seem dangerously episodic, and the thrust is maintained through the order movements. Sensibly, the superscriptions are included on separate tracks at the end of the disc. No.8 is excellent done too, with an element of wildness brought out in the sharp contrast of the first movement, bouncing humour in the Scherzo and refinement in the slow movement and finale. • Penguin Guide, January 2009

CD

Muzyka klasyczna

Naxos

09-06-1998

730099573726