Vaughan Williams, R. - Symphonies 3 & 6 - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Ronald Center (1913-73) is sometimes described as 'the Scottish Bartók', and his music does indeed capture some of the wild energy of the Scottish landscape in a style of Bartókian asperity. It also shows affinities with the music of Busoni, Debussy, Prokofiev, Shostakovich and Vaughan Williams, absorbed into an individual style that is audibly Scots. Center was essentially a miniaturist, his meticulous craftsmanship allowing him to encompass a range of emotions - heart-felt sorrow, grim humour, relaxed lyricism, dark despair - in a crisp and succinct manner, animated by sharp wit and irony. Many of the works recorded here also show off his skill as a contrapuntist and one, surprisingly, is a rumba.

Various Artists - Spectrum Saxofonis 2 / Various [COMPACT DISCS] date 06/24/2003

Seven CD box set containing Ralph Vaughan Williams' complete symphonies. Vaughan Williams is a much revered figure in the history of British music. Included in this set is the ravishingly beautiful 'The Lark Ascending'. Conducted by Bernard Haitink, a one-time principal conductor of the London Philharmonic.