Atlanta Symphony Orchestra breathes new life into works by Vaughan Williams

Take in a deep breath. Now exhale slowly. Just as that cleansing breath refreshes the body, the music on this new release refreshes the soul. In 2003, Robert Spano and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra earned three Grammy Awards, including Best Classical Album, for their recording of "A Sea Symphony," by Ralph Vaughn Williams. This new collection of orchestral works from Vaughan Williams is their follow-up to that critically acclaimed recording.

There's certainly no shortage of recordings featuring, "The Fantasia on the Theme by Thomas Tallis," by Ralph Vaughan Williams. A few things separate this one from the others, like the first 54-seconds. That's when we hear the origin of this familiar theme. It's an a cappella Psalm setting by the 16th century composer Thomas Tallis. That small prelude sets the stage for the orchestrated Fantasia. This recording makes use of two string orchestras. One serves as the main orchestra, the other provides the echo. Add to that a string quartet with various solos for violin, viola and cello, and soon we're encircled by a rich, creamy orchestral blanket of sound.

The Symphony No. 5 in D major by Vaughan Williams was written and premiered in the midst of World War II. This new symphony was an oasis of serenity during turbulent times. Many of the musical themes in the Fifth Symphony emanate from an opera the composer had been working on titled, "The Pilgrim's Progress." Vaughan Williams dedicated this symphony, "Without permission and with the sincerest flattery to Jean Sibelius, whose great example is worthy of imitation." He salutes Sibelius in the opening movement by using "floating" French horns. The Finnish composer used a similar technique in the opening of his Fifth Symphony. Within a symphony, Sibelius believed a composer could unfold his richest compositional plans, and express his deepest, most complex emotions. Vaughan Williams proves that theory in his Fifth Symphony. This work is a kaleidoscope of moods and recurring motives. The first movement slowly transforms into a gripping tone poem of a challenging yet hopeful journey painted with rich orchestral colors by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The horn-calls return in the final movement drawing the symphony to a close with a glowing benediction.

Robert Spano and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Chorus close out this new release with the sublime, "Serenade to Music." When Sir Henry Wood requested "something for 16 soloists," for his gala concert celebrating his 50th anniversary as a conductor, Vaughan Williams set the final scene of Shakespeare's, "The Merchant of Venice," to music. Rachmaninoff was at the premiere in Royal Albert Hall. He listened and wept. He said he had never been so moved by a piece of music. This expressive performance may have the same affect on you.

Ralph Vaughan Williams had a gift for breathing life into his music. Robert Spano and the members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra possess that gift as well. Invigorating, technically superb performances fill this new release. Like their previous recording of "The Sea Symphony," I predict this one, too, will soon be critically acclaimed.

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