The Blitz, a bombing marketing campaign carried out by the Nazi German Luftwaffe in opposition to the UK, started in September of 1940 and lasted eight months. Its climax introduced a firestorm which turned often called the Second Nice Hearth of London.
It was throughout this darkish interval, when skilled concert events have been in restricted provide, that Ralph Vaughan Williams steered that composers write music for “mixtures of all method of devices which could be performed by individuals whiling away the waiting-hours of warfare.”
Vaughan Williams’ personal contribution was Family Music, also referred to as Three Preludes on Welsh Hymn Tunes. The music might be performed by string quartet and mixtures of wind devices. Now, it’s most frequently carried out by string orchestra with obbligato horn.
With a way of timelessness, Family Music escapes to rugged, distant mountains and serene pastures whereas exploring the wealthy hymn custom of Wales. The primary motion (“Crug-y-bar”- Fantasia. Andante sostenuto) is predicated on a revival hymn from Carmarthenshire. The second motion (“St. Denio”-Scherzo. Allegro vivace) is mysterious and scurrying. Its melody is commonly sung to the phrases, “Immortal, Invisible, God Solely Clever.” The ultimate motion (Lento) is a set of eight variations on Joseph Parry’s 1876 hymn melody, “Aberystwyth.”
Recordings
- Vaughan Williams: Family Music, Three preludes on Welsh Hymn Tunes for string orchestra, Richard Hickox, Northern Sinfonia of England Chandos Records
Featured Picture: “Welsh Panorama” (1914), Augustus John
