British Wind Band Classics
Gustav Holst and Ralph Vaughan Williams were twin pillars of twentieth-century British classical music, and this 1999 Chandos recording celebrates their contributions to an often-overlooked tradition: wind band repertoire. The Royal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra under Timothy Reynish performs with precision and spirit, bringing these works to vivid life. Holst's "Suites for Military Band" are masterpieces of orchestral writing applied to wind forces—brilliant, colorful, and deeply English. Vaughan Williams contributed similarly sophisticated works showcasing his gift for melody and deep connection to British folk traditions. Wind band music has an unpretentious directness often more moving than overly grand orchestral showpieces. These pieces sparkle with character and invention, from lyrical passages to rousing marches, from rustic simplicity to romantic sweep. Individual sections shine brilliantly. This recording opens a world many classical listeners overlook—music that's joyful, approachable, and genuinely rewarding.
Item Details+
| Genre | Classical |
| Media | Near Mint (NM or M-) |
| Sleeve | Near Mint (NM or M-) |
| Label | Chandos |
| Year | 1999 |
| Country | Europe |
| Format | CD |
Tracklist+
Genre:
Classical
Style:
Label:
Chandos
Country:
Europe
Year:
09 Feb 1999
. Gustav Holst(1874-1934) First Suite for Military Band Op. 28 No. 1 in E flat major - Es-Dur - mi bémol majeur (edited by Colin Matthews)
1. I Chaconne: Allegro moderato 4:57
2. II Intermezzo: Vivace 2:48
3. III March: Tempo di marcia 2:57
. Second Suite for Military Band, Op. 28 No. 2 in F major - F-Dur - fa majeur (edited by Colin Matthews)
4. I March (Morris Dance): Allegro 4:35
5. II Song Without Words 'I'll Love My Love': Andante 2:29
6. III Song of the Blacksmith: Moderato e maestoso 1:14
7. IV Fantasia on the 'Dargason': Allegro moderato 3:18
. arr. Gustav Holst (attr. J.S. Bach)
8. Fugue à la gigue Un poco vivace 3:04
. Gustav Holst from Two Songs Without Words, Op. 22
9. Marching Song (edited by Timothy Reynish) Allegro moderato alla marcia 3:44
10. Hammersmith, Op. 52 Prelude: poco adagio - Scherzo: Poco vivace 14:08
. Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)
11. Toccata marziale (edited by Timothy Reynish) Allegro maestoso 4:37
12. Flourish for Wind Band Maestoso 2:20
. English Folk Song Suite
13. I March 'Seventeen Come Sunday': Allegro 3:25
14. II Sea Songs: Allegro 3:54
15. III Intermezzo 'My Bonny Boy': Andantino 3:55
16. IV March 'Folk Songs from Somerset': Allegro 3:44
Data provided by Discogs.