The Best Recordings of Vaughan Williams Symphonies

Gil Zilkha, singer/collector/music enthusiast
In this installment of Essential Classical Music, I cover the best recordings of Vaughan Williams' Symphonies Nos. 1-9, including No. 1 "Sea," No.2 "London" No. 3 "Pastoral," and No. 7 "Sinfonia Antarctica." This video is taken from my larger video covering more of the major symphonies and their best recordings. Featured conductors include Barbirolli, Boult, and Previn.

[@johkkarkalis8860]

Thanks! Gil for the survey of , for me, an essential composer. The man's music is much like the photos we have of him, tweedy, avuncular, yet capable of a volcanic temperament. It's remarkable that his creative juices flowed right up to the time of his sudden death. No one would have been more surprised at his death than V-W himself. He had future plans and may well have defied the "curse of the 9th " I gravitate toward the 6th, the 8th, and the pastoral 3d when I want to escape the baleful news of the day - an anodyne of sorts. The "Mass in 'g', and the limited chamber works are worth a hearing , too. Thanks for the look back at a favorite composer.

[@johnwalters1341]

I discovered the music of Ralph Vaughan Williams while at college, and I grew up with the Adrian Boult recordings you recommend. You might note that the "Sinfonia Antartica" is based on his film score for the movie "Scott of the Antarctic."

[@dancer3j]

Thank you for such great descriptions of Vaughn Williams symphonies. Your plain speaking make for clear reviews and advice on how to listen, what to look for and suggestions on what to buy. I am never disappointed. You enhance my musical enjoyment. Please sometime could you also describe some of the many recordings of Lark Ascending. Thank you.

[@GilZilkha]

Thanks, glad you’ve enjoyed it! The Lark Ascending is covered in my video on Elgar and Vaughan Williams string music.

[@onlykarlhenning]

Interesting, as ever.

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

There can be..and will never be...a better recording of the VW 8th than the first one by Barbirolli on the Pye/Nixa label. Best heard on CD on the PRT label, as that one is the least "fiddled" with. Yes, there may be some tape hiss, but that is easily dismissed. And yes, that VW2 on Dutton is amazing. The best I've ever heard.

[@stuartraybould2574]

For me, Vernon Handley all day long for all of them.