Ralph Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending usually tops polls of the nation’s favorite piece of classical music. It’s, after all, nearly all the time heard in its scoring for solo violin and orchestra: nonetheless, a brand new recording will enable listeners to listen to the piece in its unique association, for violin and piano accompaniment.
Vaughan Williams accomplished this primary model in 1914, however the outbreak of conflict meant that the work was not carried out till 1920. The composer then rearranged it for solo violin and orchestra after the conflict. This model was first carried out in 1921, and is now probably the most acquainted association of The Lark Ascending.
To have a good time the 150th anniversary of Vaughan Williams’ beginning (12 October, 2022), violinist Hyeyoon Park and pianist Benjamin Grosvenor have now launched a brand new model of the unique association for solo violin and piano.
You possibly can see the duo performing The Lark Ascending within the clip under:
The Lark Ascending was impressed by George Meredith’s 1881 poem of the identical title, a paean to the flight and track of the skylark. The piece exemplifies the composer’s signature pastoral, folk-inspired model, capturing the skylark’s ascent in music.
Hyeyoon Park says, ‘Whereas this association was truly written by Vaughan Williams earlier than the acquainted model with orchestra, it sounds to our ears like a transcription. With the timbre of the piano, it’s by some means like a black and white {photograph} – creating new views and completely different atmospheres.’
The violinist additionally describes her quest to witness the the pure phenomenon that impressed the work: the track of the skylark.
‘I had the blissful fortune to take action on an extended Kentish stroll in June over the Jubilee weekend. Once I was beginning to get drained, I took a relaxation in an unlimited discipline. There was a trill-like, piercing track and as I seemed up, a small chicken was ascending degree by degree whereas sustaining an elaborate cry.
‘When it reached an amazing peak – outstanding for such a small chicken – it hovered freely, as if lastly unfettered after the arduous climb and keen on the view of its little kingdom. This sequence of photographs has been imprinted on my thoughts and undoubtedly impressed my interpretation of this piece.’
It’s also possible to take heed to the recording in your most popular streaming platform at https://grosvenorandpark.lnk.to/LarkAscendingID
