Grace Williams: Orchestral Works | BBC Philharmonic; John Andrews (conductor) | Resonus Classics | RES10349

Grace Williams: Orchestral Works

£12.99
Total playing time [73:05]

BBC Philharmonic
John Andrews (conductor)

The BBC 
Philharmonic under the expert baton of John Andrews, illuminates four of Grace Williams’ orchestral gems, spanning three decades of her illustrious career.

This album opens with Four Illustrations
for the Legend of Rhiannon (1939), a masterful suite that vividly brings the Welsh goddess to life with cinematic flair. The Sea Sketches (1944), composed during the wartime tumult of London, evoke the longing for her native Glamorganshire, and cement her status among Britain’s compositional elite. The Ballads mark a return to Welsh mythos, with movements inspired by the emotional and cultural essence of her homeland. The regal Castell Caernarfon (1969), originally scored for the investiture of HRH Prince Charles, showcases Williams’ grandiloquent style. 

This release pays homage to Williams' legacy, celebrating her as one of the premier Welsh composers of the twentieth century.

Album Booklet (PDF)

About the Artists: BBC Philharmonic; John Andrews

Tracklist

Four Illustrations for the Legend of Rhiannon
1. The Conflict
2. The Nuptial Feast
3. The Penance
4. The Return of Pryderi

Castell Caernarfon
5. Prelude – Processional

Ballads
6. Allegro moderato, alla canzone
7. Alla marcia solenne
8. Andante calmante
9. Allegro furioso

Sea Sketches for String Orchestra
10. High Wind
11. Sailing Song
12 Channel Sirens
13. Breakers
14. Calm Sea in Summer

“

'[...] vividly played collection of orchestral pieces from John Andrews and the BBC Philharmonic [...] show Williams at her most distinctive.'
The Guardian

'[...] a suitably sumptuous impression in splendidly resonant sound. [...] an essential release for lovers of Welsh music and the vivid sound quality [...] this Resonus collection is an important and welcome addition to the catalogue.'

- Gramophone

'[...] a suitably sumptuous impression in splendidly resonant sound. [...] an essential release for lovers of Welsh music and the vivid sound quality [...] this Resonus collection is an important and welcome addition to the catalogue.'
Gramophone

'Excellent performances of two classics and a discovery: a perfect opportunity to get to know this composer. [...] The combination of orchestra and conductor is a match made in heaven and I hope they will be reunited soon.'
MusicWeb International

'The sheer brilliance of the recorded sound is extraordinary and from the outset, the vividness of the orchestra under the ever-excellent John Andrews, conductor leaps out of the speakers. [...] This is a superb disc in every way.'
British Music Society

© 2024 Resonus Limited
Ⓟ 2024 BBC / Resonus Limited
Catalogue No. RES10349
Producer, editor & mastering: Adam Binks
Engineer: Stephen Rinker
EAN: 5060262793893
Release date: 18 October 2024