Despite having been composed in the years 1938-43 when Europe was ravaged by war, this work radiates peace and serenity. It marks the peak of the lyrical modalism of works such as the Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis (1910), Flos Campi (1925), and Job (1931). Although it is not a programme symphony, it draws heavily on John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress for inspiration, featuring several themes that were sketched for (and eventually used in) Vaughan Williamsâs 1951 opera. In addition, Bunyan's words 'He hath given me rest by his sorrow and life by his death' were originally inscribed over the third movement. This idea of strength drawn from religion must have been especially potent when Vaughan Williams conducted the premiere of the work at the Proms in 1943, during the dark days of the Second World War. The ending in particular has a sense of rising above all worldly concerns into a higher spiritual plane.
This edition contains a preface on the history of the work by Michael Kennedy. Orchestral parts are available on hire.
A new edition in study score format of Vaughan Williams's much-loved Symphony No. 5, correcting errors and misprints and based on research of the extant sources. Contains a preface on the history of the work by Michael Kennedy.
The fact is that the new edition of the symphony is not only the best to have appeared, but the best by a very long way, and its impact on performances will be apprecaible. It is good to hear that other Vaughan Williams symphonies are to receive similar long-overdue overhauling.
