FRANK PHILLIPS (Baritone)
THE WIRELESS MILITARY BAND
Conducted by B. WALTON O'DONNELL
TOCCATA, originally meaning a piece designed to show off the performer's skill on a keyboard instrument, has come to be used without much regard to its supposed derivation—the Italian word for ' touch.' For generations past it has been used to mean something rather like a prelude or fantasia which is not in any cut-and-dried form.
This example by Vaughan Williams fulfils the promise of its title in a stirring way. It is indeed martial and vigorous, with that majestic dignity which the skilful use of the brasses enn impart.