Recommended Album:Vaughan Williams, Symphony No. 5, Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1, The Lark Ascending
Written first for violin and piano, Ralph Vaughan Williams completed The Lark Ascending in 1914. After going over concerns with the violinist, changes were made to the piece. The Lark Ascending was first performed in 1920. A year later, Williams' orchestral score was completed and performed in the Queen's Hall concert in London. Williams based The Lark Ascending on a portion of text in a poem by English poet, George Meredith. Williams included this text with his published work.
- He rises and begins to round,
He drops the silver chain of sound,
Of many links without a break,
In chirrup, whistle, slur and shake.For singing till his heaven fills,
‘Tis love of earth that he instils,
And ever winging up and up,
Our valley is his golden cup
And he the wine which overflows
to lift us with him as he goes.Till lost on his aerial rings
In light, and then the fancy sings.
