Vaughan Willams composed his 6th Symphony from 1944-1947. While he never gave an explicit explanation as to the meaning, many listeners assume that it is a reflection on World War II. It has an unusual structure with the final movement, Epilogue being extremely quiet, with the symphony fading to silence.
This is one of the earliest commercial LPs, and in fact this was released both in 78s and as an LP. It is the first recording of the piece, that had only premiered in concert in 1948.
Details:
Album Title: Vaughan Williams – Symphony No.6. Olivier Messiaen – L’ Assencion.
Released by Columbia Masterworks. (ML-4214)
Year released: 1949
Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra of New York
Conductor: Leopold Stokowski
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