Serenade to Music (4/28/20)

Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958)
WQXR (4/23/20)

Ralph (pronounced “Rafe”) Vaughan Williams wrote this work in 1938 for orchestra and sixteen vocal soloists. He later created versions for orchestra and chorus as well as for orchestra only, with solo violin. I was fortunate many moons ago to perform the orchestra-chorus version. The text is taken from portions of Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice. Here’s the deal, though. I almost always hear the orchestra-only version on WQXR (New York City’s classical music station). Imagine my surprise and delight when I heard the orchestra-chorus version recently. I was moved to email the station:
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This past Thursday was the first time I have heard the vocal version of RVW’s Serenade to Music on WQXR in a long, long time. I really appreciate it. I sang it years ago with an amateur choral society. Every time I see it on a WQXR playlist, I hope that it will be the vocal version.

This is a real pleasure.

David Mallard
DuckDeadeye
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After a couple of misfires (OK, I’m not the most tech-savvy ’Meister), I got this response:
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Thanks for this note, Mr. Mallard.
You and a couple of others are among the fierce listeners who want the full vocal version every time, and while I don't blame you a bit, I like the other version, too.
And if you haven't heard the “original cast” recording of the work, please enjoy it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tq8sczVU5o8
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Now, for the record, I don’t really want the vocal version every time. Once in a while would be nice though. Which is why I was so moved to email them in the first place.

Anyhoo, the piece is about fourteen minutes long, in case you’re inclined to listen. And also for the record, the on-air talent often says (of the orchestral version) that listeners respond with, “What is that? I love that; I want that.” And I agree. However, I also think that it’s important to hear the work as it was originally created as well as in other versions created by the composer himself.

ConcertMeister (aka RadioMeister)