Orchestra Of The Swan Under The Influence

Vaughan Williams’ Wasps’ overture was composed in 1909, the year after he spent three months in Paris studying orchestration with Ravel. A short apprenticeship perhaps, but the influence is clear in this thrilling opener.

Peter Donohoe is the soloist in Ravel’s breath taking and concise piano concerto which incorporates Basque and jazz influences. Ravel’s aim was not to be profound but to entertain in the manner of Mozart or Saint-Saëns.

Vaughan William’s Symphony no.5, a melodic and uplifting work, was completed in 1943. Its dignified bearing and thoughtful pacing alludes to the more sympathetic aspects of humanity and illustrates how art, created during the darkest times, possessed the ability to transcend even the apocalyptic chaos of a world at war.

Conductor – Michael Collins
Piano – Peter Donohoe

Vaughan Williams – ‘Wasps’ Overture
Ravel – Piano Concerto in G major
Vaughan Williams – Symphony no 5