Vaughan Williams: Symphony No. 7, "Sinfonia Antartica" - Bernard Haitink, London Philharmonic Orchestra & Choir

Sinfonia Antartica ("Antarctic Symphony") is the Italian title given by the English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams to his seventh Symphony. Vaughan Williams provided the music for the film Scott of the Antarctic in 1947, and was so inspired by the subject that he incorporated much of the music into a symphony. The piece was begun in 1949, and composition concluded in 1952. The first performance took place in 1953 in Manchester with Sir John Barbirolli conducting the Hallé Orchestra. The work is scored for a large orchestra including three flutes doubling piccolos, two oboes, two clarinets, bass clarinet, two bassoons, contrabassoon, four horns, three trumpets, three trombones, tuba, timpani, four percussionists (playing side drum, bass drum, cymbals, triangle, gong, bells, xylophone, glockenspiel, vibraphone, and wind machine), celesta, harp, piano, organ and strings. There is also a wordless three-part women's chorus and solo soprano, which sing only in the first and last movements.

Sometimes it almost seems as if the symphony was written specifically with Haitink in mind. The reading truly brings out the cold sense of otherworldliness the score needs - and of course the London Philharmonic players respond with magisterial playing, fully realizing the various bleak colors and changes in atmosphere (in particular in the last two movements). Sound quality is excellent as well.

In an interview haitink once stated that "one should drink wine only in the country where it was made." Hence the choice for the LPO for these recordings.

Tracklist:
1. Prelude: Andante maestoso
2. Scherzo: Moderato
3. Landscape: Lento
4. Intermezzo: Andante sostenuto
5. Epilogue: Alla marcia, moderato (non troppo allegro)





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