London Symphony Orchestra, Antonio Pappano/LSO Live
The opening instalment in Sir Antonio Pappano’s projected Vaughan Williams symphony cycle with the London Symphony Orchestra was a coupling of the composer’s Symphonies 4 and 6 that appeared in 2021 and garnered widespread critical praise for the conductor’s thrilling and insightful interpretations of these two works. Four years on, this latest issue couples one of the composer’s most performed symphonies – the 5th premiered in 1943 during World War II – with the 9th regarded by some as “a tough nut to crack”. Pappano’s powerful and totally committed account of the latter recorded live at the Barbican on 15th December 2024 will surely go a long way to convince naysayers that the 84 year old composer had lost any of his inspiration and orchestral mastery. One important feature of the piece is its innovative scoring that includes a flugelhorn, three saxophones and a large percussion section (snare drum, tenor drum, bass drum, cymbals, triangle, tam-tam, deep bells, glockenspiel, xylophone and celesta) used with restraint. Pappano and the LSO pull no punches in delivering this often enigmatic symphony. His purposeful conducting and assured playing from the orchestra, attuned to both the subtle tonal palette and granite like architecture of the piece, ensure the work’s elusive blend of austerity and radiance is delivered with absolute conviction. The Fifth Symphony, drawn from performances on 12 and 14 April 2024, receives a reading of luminous poise and spiritual depth. Pappano stands comfortably in the lineage of such distinguished interpreters as Boult, Previn, and Hickox, matching their authority while bringing a fresh sense of refinement and transparency. Tempi throughout are judiciously chosen, and the orchestra’s glowing tone and finely balanced textures are superbly caught by the Classic Sound team on this SACD in a fine DSD256fs recording. As with recent LSO Live issues, the presentation is exemplary: the disc is housed in a sturdy book-style package complete with full liner notes and artist biographies. This is a release of distinction and a firm recommendation for both seasoned Vaughan Williams admirers and newcomers alike. I look forward to the next release in this cycle.