Ralph Vaughan Williams: Five Variants of Dives and Lazarus. Two ancient places in Derbyshire.

[@stevieliver57]

I have no education in music and when I started to get interested in classical music it would take me a while to get used to and like a piece; certainly not on first hearing. There were two exceptions; this piece and Thomas Tallis. Both still affect me deeply after several decades of listening. As usual, Ant, your photographs and composition are superb. Thank you for your efforts and the joy you bring.

[@AntPDC]

Thank you very much Steve. Music was part of my education, thanks to my Junior School, and I'm grateful for that. However, it wasn't education that drew me into classical music; it was more of a natural, instinctive enjoyment of music of all genres - genres I was oblivious of. I recall as a 5 year-old boy being emotionally overwhelmed by my school's performance of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus, and being impelled to get to my feet and sing with the senior school choir when I wasn't supposed to. It was a public performance too - but my teacher understood what was going on and didn't rebuke me. I still don't know much at all about the "mechanics" of music - how it all works in terms of emotional impact - but I do know what moves me to my soul. And when I discovered Bach's keyboard works somewhat later, it was as if my eyes had been opened even more. Yes, some of these works call for more patience before their real value can be appreciated, but heck, it is repaid many times over. Best wishes, Ant.

[@EnMXII]

Thank you very much. RVW (and especially this work) has been the subject of my thesis😍

[@samlancaster1277]

Ancient hill fort Anthony ? Stunning piece and accompanying scenery . Thank you for depicting England at it’s best . So very much needed at this crossroads in our nation’s long , long history.

[@StephenSeabird]

Indeed. The rich and varied landscapes of the these Isles evoke, like nothing else, the real spirit of place and all of the past which make any nation what it is. Whenever we forget, this is what reminds us, and it brings me home when abroad.

[@AntPDC]

Thank you Sam. I updated my Description, which provides details of these two Ancient Monuments.

[@1RobertCEvans]

Thanks for sharing!

[@mickyfinn1948]

Always loved this piece and never tire of hearing it. Fine use of your Mavic, Anthony, and excellent pics as usual. What a great history this island has and how wonderful that there still exists these amazing sites to visit.

[@AntPDC]

As usual, thank you for your comment Michael. How privileged we are to live in this jewel-like group of islands, with its rich history, culture, traditions and incredible achievements over millennia. Something to be proud of, celebrated and cherished - not attacked by people who simply have no idea - no conception at all - of the sweep of history. No, the people who attack merely "live in the moment", and seek to destroy what they don't understand.

[@mickyfinn1948]

@@AntPDC 1 second So true, Anthony, but with the current rapid population expansion, my worry is there exists an insidious pressure to build on our precious green belt, areas of natural beauty, and even historic sites. Also one can't fail to notice attempts to rewrite our history so as not to offend certain groups. However, as a pensioner, I shall keep visiting these places of wonder as long as I can. I just hope future generations will have the same opportunity.

[@AntPDC]

@@mickyfinn1948 "Insidious" is the right word Michael. We must never allow ourselves to be compromised and cowed into silence by the new totalitarians. No, never. Orwell had it right.

[@hectorhelgueta369]

Ahora estoy disfrutando y escuchando este hermoso video. Saludos

[@AntPDC]

Estoy muy agradecido por tu comentario Hector. Gracias, Anthony.

[@stevendouglascarr5517]

On hiking trips I've taken through the British Isles, I'd encounter these stones throughout the countryside. It was a mystical experience, especially on gray, stormy days. The dark weather seemed to heighten the experience...

[@AntPDC]

I agree with you Steven. I shall return to this magical location in Winter - preferably when snow - or even better, hoar frost - is around.

[@stevendouglascarr5517]

@@AntPDC Lucky you.

[@tonyobadinage6647]

Always a lovely piece and, as ever, your pictures are stunning. Whose version is this please?

[@jonaskissling8343]

I believe he used this piece already. It was an EMI recording, sir David Willcocks with the Jacques Orchestra. But he will surely update the description...

[@tonyobadinage6647]

@@jonaskissling8343 Thank you

[@AntPDC]

@@jonaskissling8343 Thank you Jonas. I ran out of time for the Description, and as you guessed, I caught up!

[@AntPDC]

Thank you Tom. I see that Jonas kindly beat me to it!