Halle/Elder - Vaughan Williams: Symphonies Nos. 7 & 9

Premiered by the Hall� under Sir John Barbirolli in 1953, the Sinfonia antartica originated in Vaughan Williams� score for the film �Scott of the Antarctic�. With a highly original scoring (including solo soprano, wordless women�s chorus, organ, piano and extensive percussion section), the work depicts the struggle of man over nature, as epitomized in Captain Scott�s ill-fated expedition to the South Pole. The symphony is characterized with heroic themes, evocative orchestral effects and music which is at turns emotive and powerful. In contrast the Ninth Symphony depicts the more philosophical challenges of mankind. Initially