British Symphonic Collection Volume 2

RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS 1872-1958
WORLD PREMIERE RECORDING

JOB ~ A Masque For Dancing
PRELUDE ON AN OLD CAROL TUNE
VARIATIONS FOR ORCHESTRA

(Orch. Gordon Jacob)
Munich Symphony Orchestra

Douglas Bostock, conductor  

JOB A Masque for Dancing
The action follows the biblical story. Four main themes Job, Satan, God and God's betrayed trust in Satan provide a symphonic and thematic unity in a work whose structure is primarily narrative and illustrative. If the listener were to hear this music without the benefit of sleeve notes and title s/he would hear beautiful music, ethereal, atmospheric which needs no notes or musicologist to describe it or give it validity. It is quite simply a great musical experience for the listener to make of it what s/he will.
Prelude on an Old Carol Tune
This short work has an interesting history - it was written for the BBC's ten part serialisation of Thomas Hardy's 'The Mayor of Casterbridge' and was a significant factor in the success of the series. It is probably better known as part of Vaughan Williams' 'Fantasia on Christmas Carols' but it stands very well on its own and is a great find in this series.
Another find is the first recording of Variations for Orchestra (orch Gordon Jacob) originally written for brass band the composer having been inspired to write a test piece for the National Brass Band Championships after being asked to present prizes at that event. It was originally called Variations for Brass Band and was played at the contest the following year. Each variation is brief and this is a gesture towards the players whose embouchures should not be tired. Gordon Jacob orchestrated the work which was first played by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra early in 1960.