The Thing About Sir David

 

What a career!

There are very few choral conductors who make it into the big leagues with major symphony orchestras. Richard Hickox and Robert Shaw come to mind.

I probably knew Willcocks best for his work at King's College Cambridge and their famous Lessons and Carols. Then I found The Bach Choir, a mixed adult ensemble, another fine singing group led by Sir David.

If that was all, it would still be might impressive resume, plus let us not forget his contributions to the Carols for Carols (BLOG). While he was never an indentured conductor associated with a major British symphony orchestra, he regularly worked with the London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, just to name a few.

It is not unusual for a choral conductor to step up to the podium at need, but to have as many major releases of major works on major recording labels is a feat. Not only that, but to have gained the respect of the players of these orchestras is mightily impressive, as usually the instrumentalists just go along for the ride with a choral guy.

Well, color me impressed, as the more I explore from Willcocks, the more I fall in love with his singular ability to bring these sorts of large choral works to life, wrangling symphony orchestras, large bodies of choirs, high-profile soloists, all the while imbuing enthusiasm into the music of giants. Rest in Peace, Sir David.

A review from 2023

British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Five Tudor Portraits is a whole lot of fun. Bawdy, humorous, and raucous, VW manages to mix some tender moments in too. It really is a work that should be heard more often, and it offers the orchestra quite a bit to show off too.

The five movements in the 45-minute slice-of--life work are all quite attractive. Only the fourth movement bird funeral seems all a bit much, for I find its seriousness silly. The performers under Sir David Willcocks really are outstanding though, and I almost like the EMI 60’s analogue sound a little better here than in the more recent digital Hickox on Chandos. Willcocks’ performance seems more spontaneous too, with everything more sonically upfront.

Paired with Tudor Portraits is the very rare 15-minute Benedicite, here with soprano Heather Harper and the LSO no less. RVW’s folkish, cold breeze through the sunlit heather modalism is in full force here, and it is an interesting mix alongside the religious subject. In both works, The Bach Choir is outstanding as a singing ensemble, and texts are provided in the physical media.

As a bit of filler, the Five Variants of Dives and Lazarus is included. A haunting folk melody girds the whole work, and a lovely one it is. This whole recording has since been remastered on EMI.

A really splendid collection of choral/orchestral music from Vaughan Williams. Sir David Willcocks was an ardent interpreter of his larger choral works, and this recording is a strong showcase of his abilities. Supported by strong soloists and excellent orchestras, enthusiasm abounds.

 

 

 

Works
Five Tudor Portraits (15.57)
Benedicte (12.31)
Five Variants of Dives and Lazarus (14.11)


Soloists
Heather Harper, soprano
Elizabeth Bainbridge, contralto
John Carol Case, baritone

Ensembles
The Bach Choir
Jacques Orchestra
New Philharmonia Orchestra
London Symphony Orchestra
Sir David Willcocks, conductor

Label: EMI
Year: 1968-69; 1993
Timing: 71.09

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If Sir Richard Hickox gleefully introduced me to Five Tudor Portraits on Chandos (BLOG), Sir David solidified my love for them.

Add to that an excellent Benedicte and the orchestral only Five Variants on Dives and Lazarus, and you have a crackerjack program.

These performances are a perfect time for a tribute dedicated to the conductor David Willcocks.