Conductors,
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS
Sir DAN GODFREY
BORIS HAMBOURG (violoncello)
Relayed from
The Pavilion, Bournemouth
(Conducted by the Composer)
Actually a musical impression of London just before the war began, Vaughan Williams 's London ' symphony is equally descriptive of the great city as it is today; for although a few of the recognised sounds of the London streets make their way into the music, it is with the spirit of the city and its citizens that the composer has dealt. and the resultant music is that of a poet of sympathy and understanding. The first movement is thought to be descriptive of morning in the city ; the Westminster chimes are heard. The slow second movement is based largely on the plaintive melody which introduces it. The third movement is called a Scherzo, but that is by no means its feeling ; Nocturne is a better title, for it is an impression of London by night, and even though the tempo is brisk, the music strikes a note of sadness and mystery. The fourth movement is brisk and bustling with a preponderating and majestic march tune. Later, after the chimes have been heard again, a solemn epilogue brings the symphony to a close.
Time Signal, Greentvich, at 4.45