Midori Komachi & Simon Callaghan - Vaughan Williams: Complete Works for Violin & Piano (2022) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

In celebration of Ralph Vaughan Williams's 150th anniversary celebrations in 2022, this album will give listeners a full insight into the composer's works for violin and piano, played by Midori Komachi (violin) and Simon Callaghan (piano), who are both internationally noted for their performances and research of 20th-century British music.

Starting from Vaughan Williams's early pieces Romance and Pastorale, the album takes us through the composer's complete musical development: from the 6 Studies in English Folk Song, to The Lark Ascending in its original version for violin and piano. The original and lesser known version (compared to the orchestral version) gives an even more intimate account of the ethereal world against the backdrop of the First World War, and deeply resonates the composer's hope for the preservation of peace in nature. In contrast, the rarely performed Sonata, written towards the end of his life, depicts emotional turmoil that cuts deep into the composer's thoughts. The turbulence that prevails throughout the work is finally brought to a sense of healing, with a recollection of The Lark Ascending in the end. Along with these intricate connections between each piece, this album takes us on an all-embracing journey through the composer's stylistic development.

Accompanying their performance is a CD booklet including photos specially taken with the artists for this album at Leith Hill Place, Vaughan Williams's childhood home (National Trust). Additionally, based on extensive research in the manuscript archives, Midori Komachi's liner notes in this booklet offer a unique perspective and a deeper understanding of these works.

Tracklist:
01. Williams: Romance & Pastorale for Violin & Piano: I. Romance
02. Williams: Romance & Pastorale for Violin & Piano: II. Pastorale
03. Williams: The Lark Ascending (Version for Violin & Piano)
04. Williams: Violin Sonata in A Minor: I. Fantasia. Allegro giusto
05. Williams: Violin Sonata in A Minor: II. Scherzo. Allegro furioso ma non troppo
06. Williams: Violin Sonata in A Minor: III. Tema con variazioni. Andante - Tempo del preludio ma tranquillo - Cadenza
07. Williams: 6 Studies in English Folksong (Version for Violin & Piano): No. 1, Lovely on the Water
08. Williams: 6 Studies in English Folksong (Version for Violin & Piano): No. 2, Spurn Point
09. Williams: 6 Studies in English Folksong (Version for Violin & Piano): No. 3, Van Dieman's Land
10. Williams: 6 Studies in English Folksong (Version for Violin & Piano): No. 4, She Borrowed Some of Her Mother's Gold
11. Williams: 6 Studies in English Folksong (Version for Violin & Piano): No. 5, The Lady and the Dragoon
12. Williams: 6 Studies in English Folksong (Version for Violin & Piano): No. 6, As I Walked Over London Bridge


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