Vaughan Williams, Ralph - Symphonies Nos. 7 (Antarctica) & 9 - Manze, Andrew CD

Vaughan Williams: Symphonies Nos. 7 & 9 – Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra & Andrew Manze (CD)
Immerse yourself in the spectacular, enigmatic finale of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ symphonic journey. This critically acclaimed release from the prestigious Onyx Classics label marks the triumphant conclusion of conductor Andrew Manze and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra's definitive symphony cycle. Together, they deliver brilliant, texturally transparent, and deeply moving performances of the composer's final two symphonic masterpieces.

• Symphony No. 7 "Sinfonia antartica": Born from the composer's film score to Scott of the Antarctic, this five-movement epic is a chilling, heroic depiction of humanity battling the frozen desolation of the South Pole. This exceptional Onyx recording uniquely includes the original literary superscriptions read aloud by the legendary British actor Timothy West. The vast frozen canvas is brought to life with the ethereal vocals of soprano Rowan Pierce, a wordless women's chorus, a wind machine, and the thunderous power of the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral organ.
• Symphony No. 9 in E minor: Premiered just four months before the composer’s death in 1958, the Ninth is a visionary, philosophical final testament. Rich in texture and full of brooding unease, it features highly original orchestration—including a trio of saxophones and a flugelhorn—that uncovers a wealth of new symphonic colors.