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BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

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Afternoon Concert

Music: Classical

Unique performances with BBC Orchestras, Choirs and other great orchestras

Unique performances with BBC Orchestras, Choirs and other great orchestras from around the world

Afternoon on 3: Proms 2012 Repeats

Afternoon Concert: Proms 2012 Repeats: Prom 46 - Vaughan Williams Symphonies

Prom 46 - Vaughan Williams Symphonies

31/08/2012

Proms 2012 Repeats

BBC Radio 3 - Afternoon Concert, Proms 2012 Repeats, Prom 46 - Vaughan Williams Symphonies

The BBC SSO under Andrew Manze in Vaughan Williams: Symphonies Nos 4, 5 and 6.

A Prom in which the BBC SSO under Andrew Manze performs three Vaughan William works chroncling life in Britain in the 1930s and 1940s: Symphonies Nos 4, 5 and 6.

With Penny Gore
In this unusual programme, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra with their Associate Guest Conductor Andrew Manze perform three Vaughan Williams symphonies which chronicle our national life in the troubled times of the 1930s and 40s.

Vaughan Williams denied any prophetic statement of gathering European war clouds, but the 4th symphony, written in 1931-34, is still a work full of anger, menace and turbulence. Perhaps influenced by continental composers writing at the same time, Vaughan Williams was, perhaps unknowingly, holding up a mirror to the increasingly troubled times. In stark contrast to that world, and perhaps as a reaction to the Second World War itself, the 5th Symphony (1938-43) is warmly sunlight with mystical lyricism and is a return to the pastoral, nature visionary music that many people associate with Vaughan Williams. One of the greatest of English symphonies, it was premiered at the Proms in 1943 and the serene final cadence comes as near to perfect peace as any 20th century Symphony. The 6th symphony (1944-47) hits you between the eyes, with what is surely reflecting Britain ravaged by war - anguished and explosive. The last movement sinks to timeless, quiet desolation until we sink into oblivion.

Presented by Martin Handley

Vaughan Williams: Symphony No. 4
Vaughan Williams: Symphony No. 5
Vaughan Williams: Symphony No. 6

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Andrew Manze (conductor).

Afternoon Concert: Proms 2012 Repeats

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

Another chance to hear concerts from the 2012 BBC Proms season

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Prom 46 - Vaughan Williams Symphonies

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