He's always been one of those composers who I knew about but never really listened to, but of late I've started hearing him more and realised how beautiful some of his music is. In particular The Lark Ascending and Fantasia on the Theme of Thomas Tallis.
The folk element is hard to overstate-it's all pervasive as an influence on the harmony
. How can you not love a work which quotes "Av'e a banana" (London Symphony)
I'm a huge RVW fan. The 5th Symphony is a favourite. Also the Sea Symphony. It's not typical of his output but it's a fabulous work. He always seemed like a musical explorer - constantly questioning and developing well into old age. I don't fully understand the 9th Symphony, but it's not the work of someone settling into a comfortable old age!
I was given a voucher for a Halle concert recently and was lucky enough to get a seat for the Sea Symphony. Great experience live. Now just to start an argument - is VW the greatest British symphonist as opposed to Elgar?
Press Release Alpkit and Outside Bank Holiday Hathersage Tent Show 4-5th May
Gear News The Art of Climbing – Out Now
Fri Night Vid Finding Focus - Life Behind The Lens of a Climbing Photographer
This week's Friday Night Video is a portrait of a prolific climbing photographer from Wedge Climbing. Sam Pratt is well known in both the outdoor and competition scene but if you haven't heard of him, you've likely seen...