VAUGHAN Williams’s Piano Concerto, written for Harriet Cohen, is not as well known as it should be and this disc is guaranteed to spread the word.
Wass is a persuasive soloist, full of energy in the opening, crisp in the fugue, and tender whenever the fireworks abate. Balance with the orchestra, always a problem in this piece, is excellent.
Judd brings out all the humour of The Wasps suite, mainly known from its overture, which fairly buzzes with enthusiasm. The RLPO is on great form, too, in this orchestration (by Gordon Jacob) of the English Folk Song Suite, which is good to hear, even if not quite so striking as the original military band version. The Running Set, four very brisk folk dances, completes this irresistible, budget-priced offering.
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