Pilgrim's Progress

Track Listings

1. Shine On Brightly

2. In The Wee Small Hours Of Six Pence

3. Still There'll Be More

4. Pilgrim's Prgress

5. Quite Rightly So

6. Magdalene, My Regal Sonophone

7. Powerfailure

8. Salty Dog

9. Simply Sister

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
36 minute long release featuring nine tracks recorded live in concert at the height of their success, including 'Shine On Brightly', 'Salty Dog' and 'In The Wee Small Hours Of Sixpence'. Also contains a video CD of these performances. Double slimline jewel case. 1995 release.

Tracks:

Prologue: Bunyan In Prison
Act I, Scene 1: The Pilgrim Meets Evangelist
Act I, Scene 2: The House Beautiful
Act I: Nocturne (Intermezzo)
Act II, Scene 1: The Arming Of The Pilgrim
Act II, Scene 2: The Pilgrim Meets Apollyon
Act III, Scene 1: Vanity Fair 'Buy! What Will Ye Buy?'
Act III, Scene 1: Vanity Fair 'I Buy The Truth!'

Tracks:

Act III, Scene 2: The Pilgrim In Prison
Act IV, Scene 1: The Pilgrim Meets Sinister By-Ends
Act IV: Entr'acte
Act IV, Scene 2: The Delectable Monsters 'Who So Dwelleth'
Act IV, Scene 2: The Delectable Monsters 'The Lord Is My Shepherd'
Act IV, Scene 3: The Pilgrim Reaches The End Of his Journey
Act IV: Epilogue
Sir Adrian In Rehearsal: Act III Scene 1
Sir Adrian In Rehearsal: Act I Nocturne
Sir Adrian In Rehearsal: Act IV Scene 1
Sir Adrian In Rehearsal: Act IV Scene 2
Sir Adrian In Rehearsal: Act II Scene 1

Customer Reviews:

A work of Protestant faith that's unknown in the U.S........2006-07-17

As a touchstone of English Protestant faith, John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress has had more influence than any work other than the Bible. For generations every schoolchild knew its episodes, and when Thackeray entitled hsi most famous novel Vanity Fair, he assumed that any educated or even semi-educated reader would pick up the reference. Against that bacground, VW was setting a sacred text that was also a pillar of British culture.

He did an inspired job. This "Morality," which isn't quite an opera or an oratorio, is nobly conceived. Nobility is a hard mood to keep going without the risk of boredom, but VW supplies his loveliest melodies and considerable dramatic instincts here. The problem for us Americans is that we don't read Pilgrim's Progress, so any adaptation lacks the ring of familiarity. We are hearing for the first time a very long allegroy a la The Dream of Gerontius, another beloved English classic that has little currency in the U.S.

I only mention this because I avoided the opera for a long time thinking that it would feel too foreign or churchy. In fact, this work well could be his vocal masterpiece (despite some diffuse writing and a general sense of anti-climax towards the end); any lover of VW's music will be more satisfied, I think, than with Elgar's Gerontius--for one thing, Bunyan's words make a finer text than Cardinal Newman's earnest Victorian religiosity. The performance under Adrian Boult is all that one could ask for, and EMI's 1972 sound still comes across very well.

Even if the Pilgrim's soul journey doesn't matter to you, this CD can be appreciated sheerly for the sake of VW's gorgeous music.

A great work.......2003-12-19

Vaughan Williams worked on The Pilgrim's Progress intermittently for over forty years. The Shepherds of the Delectable Mountains was published as a separate work in the 1920s. Work continued in the 1930s and 1940s and he used themes from it in his 5th symphony. It was first performed at Covent Garden as part of the Festival of Britain in 1951 and the production was terrible. Its failure was a bitter blow to the composer because the work meant a lot to him. He was cheered up a lot by a fine amateur production in Cambridge in 1954. The part of Pilgrim was taken by a young physics student, John Noble. He takes the lead on this recording which dates from 1972.
This is one of what the writer, Michael Kennedy, called RVW's 'problem operas'. Theatrically, it is rather static and there is little character development. Kennedy thinks it should be considered as a series of tableaux vivants. One can argue about this ad nauseam but the main thing to bear in mind is that the opera is what RVW meant to express. He is known for being a modest man but in fact he recognised when he had created something good. He knew the value of his own work. Opera is not a word that appears in the title: he calls it a Morality. So it is best to accept the work on its own terms.

It is based on Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress with other biblical words added in. It tells of Pilgrim's (he is not called Christian as RVW wanted it be be accessible to people of all faiths. He himself was an atheist) journey to the Celestial City. He fights Apollyon (the devil), visits Vanity Fair, gets thrown in gaol and finds a pastoral idyll in the Delectable Mountains. The music is scary and witty at times but the overall impression is one of visionary beauty and great nobility. There is no doubt as to its spirituality and the music related to the 5th symphony takes me to emotional regions that no other music can. It may have its problems as a stage work but it is an ideal gramophone opera.

The digital remastering is very successful with only a hint of tape hiss at quiet moments. The recording is very acceptable given it is 30 years old. The rehearsal recording reveals the unexpected wit of Boult. All the performances are excellent. An important, even historic, recording.

A Masterpiece.......2003-07-25

Vaughan Williams worked on this work for years and it shows. This opera is representative of everything he's ever done. And even though there's no rape and murder, this is opera not oratorio. The characters sing to each other. Boult's tempi may be too consistently stately for non-British ears, but there's no denying the power and majesty of this score.
Fortunately the cast was up to the task. John Noble is no one's idea of a star baritone, but in this role he sings like a star. I've heard all the great Verdi baritones but I wouldn't trade Noble's performance for anyone's. From this cast, Robert Lloyd had the most international career and he is used to great effect. The angelic tenor of Ian Partridge is featured in the beautiful scene at the 'House Blessed.' This scene is easily the equal of the composer's ravishing "Serenade to Music."
With 27m of rehearsals included, this album is a treasure. My only problem with the remastering from 1972 is the dynamic range. You've got to turn it up pretty loud to hear the numerous quiet passages. Vaughan William fans who don't require melodrama in their operas will be very pleased indeed.

Faithful presentation of Bunyan's classic.......2002-03-30

Vaughan Williams' hymns and religious works leave many Christian compositions for dead. [Not bad for an avowed agnostic!]

I loved the Matthew Best version, with narration by the superb John Gielgud. The use of the Thomas Tallis Fantasia music was one of the things which attracted me to this work, but you will have to listen hard to hear any of the Fantasia in this version. [I understand that the Best version is based on the radio play, which used that music at scene changes.]

However, this is a wonderful performance. The recording quality is excellent, and you will enjoy John Noble's sterling performance as Pilgrim, and Robert Lloyd's evil evocation of Apollyon [with delightfully corny, circa 1970s sound effects on his voice!] The well researched liner notes tell us that Noble had performed the the role at Cambridge in 1954,and that his performance had moved Vaughan Williams deeply.

It would be interesting to know how the tinker from Bedford would have reacted to his simple story being set to music [and by one he would have regarded as being a citizen of the City of Destruction!]

The depiction of Vanity Fair is one of the highlights, as is the opening setting of the hymn tune, York.

Tracks:

Valiant-For-Truth
Symphony No. 5 in D major: I Preludio: Moderato
Symphony No. 5 in D major: II Scherzo: Presto misterioso
Symphony No. 5 in D major: III Romanza: Lento
Symphony No. 5 in D major: IV Passacaglia: Moderato
The Pilgrim Pavement
Hymn-Tune Prelude On Song 13 By Orlando Gibbons
The Twenty-Third Psalm
Prelude And Fugue In C Minor: Prelude
Prelude And Fugue In C Minor: Fugue

Customer Reviews:

An above average 5th Symphony in oddly constructed program.......2005-10-24

I enjoy this version of Vaughan Williams' 5th Symphony more than others I've heard by Boult, Handley and Previn because Hickox approaches the score more on the basis of orchestral execution than developing the quiet pastoral flavors of the English countryside that characterize most versions of the music. In other words, Hickox spends less time interpreting the music and more time playing it than the others.

Hickox, who has gained fame in the CD world for having one of the first authentic recordings of the Beethoven Symphony No. 9 and for squeezing the Verdi Requiem onto a single CD, is faster than most conductors in this music. He takes a meatier, more muscular approach.

Yet Hickox is just as mellow in the lengthier quiet sections of the score as his famous countrymen and delivers more in the bigger moments with his orchestra right in step with him. The London Symphony Orchestra brass, in particular, are outstanding in this issue with the strings providing strong support and wonderful elocution throuhout.

The sound on the Chandos CD is outstanding in every way with brilliance, depth and unmatched clarity. You can hear every instrument, every voice and every little thing every time.

What I don't like about this CD is the odd program built around the main dish, which is the symphony. There is nothing particularly wrong with any of Vaughan Williams choral selections that fill out this CD. However, at about 37 minutes for the symphony, there was plenty of room on the disk to include another VW symphony. That would have made this full price issue more valuable, in my opinion.

If you enjoy characterful vocal music by Vaughan Williams that never gets too dramatic, you'll find this CD every bit the equal to what the other reviewers here said. If you seek the more substantial and longlasting contributions of the composer, you may wish to look elsewhere for a better pairing, though.

Touched by God.......2003-12-03

There are a few instances where one feels a composer has, perhaps through some divine help or inspiration, reached a long way towards things eternal. Some Beethoven is like that. VW's 5th Synmphony is one of those pieces. Listen to it several times around midnight.

Heaven-sent music.......2001-04-20

I first heard this album on public radio last night. Mr. Williams has reached up to touch heaven with this beautiful music. I am no musician, but I do know what moves my spirit and this is it. There is a resonance in his music that continues to stir the soul long after the strings fall silent.

Ralph Vaughan Williams: The Pilgrim's Progress - Gerald Finley / The Royal Opera Chorus / The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Richard Hickox

Average customer rating:

Hard choice between Hickox & Boult
Superb. Vaughan Williams at his best. A must for VW fans
I didn't like it, but maybe it's just me

Ralph Vaughan Williams: The Pilgrim's Progress - Gerald Finley / The Royal Opera Chorus / The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Richard Hickox
Ralph Vaughan Williams (Composer) , Richard Hickox (Conductor) , Gerald Finley (Baritone) , The Royal Opera Chorus , and The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Box Sets | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Vaughan Williams - Sir John in Love / Hickox, Northern Sinfonia
Ralph Vaughan Williams: A Cotswold Romance / Death of Tintagiles - London Philharmonic Choir / London Symphony Orchestra / Richard Hickox
Vaughan Williams: The Pilgrim's Progress: A Bunyan Sequence
Vaughan Williams: Complete Concertos

ASIN: B000005Z6Z
Release Date: 1998-05-19

Tracks:

The Pilgrim's Progress: Prologue: Bunyan In Prison
The Pilgrim's Progress: Act I: Scene 1: The Pilgrim Meets Evangelist
The Pilgrim's Progress: Act I: Scene 2: The House Beautiful
The Pilgrim's Progress: Act I: Nocturne (Intermezzo)
The Pilgrim's Progress: Act II: Scene 1: The Arming Of The Pilgrim
The Pilgrim's Progress: Act II: Scene 2: The Pilgrim Meets Apollyon

Tracks:

The Pilgrim's Progress: Act III: Scene 1: Vanity Fair - Chorus Of Traders: 'Buy! What Will Ye Buy!'
The Pilgrim's Progress: Act III: Scene 1: Vanity Fair - Pilgrim: 'I Buy The Truth!'
The Pilgrim's Progress: Act III: Scene 2: The Pilgrim In Prison
The Pilgrim's Progress: Act IV: Scene 1: The Pilgrim Meets Mr By-Ends
The Pilgrim's Progress: Act IV: Entr-acte
The Pilgrim's Progress: Act IV: Scene 2: The Shepherds Of The Delectable Mountains - First Shepherd: 'Who So Dwelleth...'
The Pilgrim's Progress: Act IV: Scene 2: Voice Of A Bird: 'The Lord Is My Shepherd'
The Pilgrim's Progress: Act IV: Scene 3: The Pilgrim Reaches The End Of His Journey
The Pilgrim's Progress: Epilogue

Customer Reviews:

Hard choice between Hickox & Boult.......2000-10-30

As one of the earlier reviewers has said, this is not a standard operatic or choral work but a "morality" (as RVW described it) having a more ritualistic character than opera. Having seen one of the Royal Opera's semi-staged performances of this work which Hickox conducted prior to the recording, it seemed to me that RVW's confidence in the piece as having a theatrical element amply justified. This is a wonderful recording and, as much as I love the old Boult recording, and its great spiritual quality, I find myself returning frequently to Hickox's greater urgency and the marvellous central performance of Gerald Finley as the Pilgrim. He comes over on disk as vividly as he portrayed the role on stage. This is not a replacement for the Boult but complementary to it. Buy both. I am much looking forward to the Hickox recording of "Sir John in Love".

Superb. Vaughan Williams at his best. A must for VW fans.......1999-05-17

This is not a traditional opera. VW described it as a 'Morality' and something to be performed on stage, not in a church.

It is based on Bunyan's book, using many of his words which are very powerful but other words are from the Bible and elsewhere. The net effect is to capture the essence of Bunyan's allegory, certainly the spirituality. Man's search for spitituality was a theme of VW as early as 'Towards the Unknown Region' and the 'Sea Symphony'in the early years of the 20th Century. With 'Pilgrim's Progress', VW combined the early themes, ideas and music, with the maturity and experience of later life to produce a masterpiece.

Not only are the words familiar but so is some of the music. The opening of the opera to the chords of the psalm tune 'York' is powerful and they are repeated as Bunyan speaks. They are back again at the end in the same way as Bunyan also returns to talk to the audience and invites them to go on a pilgrimage too. The familiar hymn 'Who would true valor see' is sung by the chorus in Act II, Scene I which VW wrote the tune in 1906.

I found the music complimented the words and painting the scenes almost to the extent that the imagination can see the performance. (The excellent notes with the CDs also help). The anguish, passion, joy and ecstacy in Act I can all be felt. The Valley of Humiliation is signified by very foreboding music, a precursor to the fight with Apollyon. Even in some of the Entr'acts, there are gems such as Watchful's piece as well as the Woodcutter Boy's.

The dynamics of the work, with moods going from anxiety and despair to ecstacy, torment to peace throughout work extremely well. Having Bunyan introduce the work at the start and 'sum up' at the end, works is very effective.

For someone who is familiar with VW's works, even if it is just the 'Tallis Fantasia', at the minimum this is something to listen to. For someone who is familia with VW's choral works, it is something they will want to have. I cannot comment on earlier recordings of this work since I have not heard them nor have I seen the work on stage, but I think it would be very hard to top this recording.

I am an unashamed VW fan, completely biased, and believe this work is one of his best and a masterpiece that should be shared with the worldwide musical audience. especially the lovers of opera and choral music, in particular.

I unresearvedly recomment this work.

I didn't like it, but maybe it's just me.......1999-04-18

This is a weird composition. I liked the philosophical libretto, but the music was either too slow (with endless recitatives) or too busy (with disharmonious mass scenes). I guess, I just don't understand modernity. Maybe this is a masterpiece, but I certainly don't see how.

Vaughan Williams: The Pilgrim's Progress: A Bunyan Sequence

Average customer rating:

Excellent, faith filled journey by Vaughan Williams

Vaughan Williams: The Pilgrim's Progress: A Bunyan Sequence
Corydon Singers , John Gielgud , Ursula Howells , Aidan Oliver , Richard Pasco , David Rix , Christine Barratt , John Bowen , and Joya Logan
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Vaughan Williams: The Pilgrim's Progress
Vaughan Williams: The Shepherds of the Delectable Mountains
Vaughan Williams: Sir John In Love
Ralph Vaughan Williams: The Pilgrim's Progress - Gerald Finley / The Royal Opera Chorus / The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Richard Hickox
Ralph Vaughan Williams: A Cotswold Romance / Death of Tintagiles - London Philharmonic Choir / London Symphony Orchestra / Richard Hickox

ASIN: B000002ZPW
Release Date: 1993-11-19

Tracks:

Prologue
The Kingdom
The Gate
The Way
The Shepherd
The Palace Beautiful
Apollyon
Vanity Fair
The Trial
Giant Despair
The Delectable Mountains
Epilogue

Amazon.com

"The Pilgrim's Progress from this world to that which is to come: Delivered under the similitude of a dream..." So begins John Gielgud's narration--and his subsequent reading of the role of Christian--in this superb adaptation of Vaughan Williams's radio play, based on scenes from John Bunyan's classic allegory The Pilgrim's Progress. Different from the composer's later opera, this work fares well on disc, fueled by dramatic characterizations and affecting music. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Excellent, faith filled journey by Vaughan Williams.......2005-05-31

All of the greatness and beauty of Vaughan Williams' music fused with the epic from John Bunyan and the great narration and voices, including Sir John Geilgud, make this one of the best of all the sacred music from Vaughan Williams. An incredible musical journey on this disc moving forward to an emotional climax as Christian reaches Mount Zion. It is highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Symphony 5

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Vaughan Williams Pastoral Symphony; Norfolk Rhapsody No. 2
Vaughan Williams: Symphony No. 4; Mass in G minor; 6 Choral Songs [Hybrid SACD]
Vaughan Williams: A London Symphony

ASIN: B00009VZHI
Release Date: 2003-08-12

Average customer rating:

Pilgrim's Progress
Bunyan , and De Souza
Manufacturer: Naxos Audio Books
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004WISA
Release Date: 2000-04-11

The Hard But Right Way - A Pilgrim's Journey

Average customer rating:

The Hard But Right Way - A Pilgrim's Journey
Jim Winder
Manufacturer: Notebook
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00005NFCF
Release Date: 2001-07-31

Tracks:

Prologue
The Hard But Right Way
Save Me
Jesus On My Side
The Race
Vanity Fair
Your Word
Preach The Word
Take My Armor
I Was Saved
Even The Sparrow
Epilogue

Album Description

NoteBook Records support the efforts of a small group of folk and folk/Christian artists communicating stories of family and faith.

Average customer rating:

Pilgrim's Progress
Pilgrim's Progress
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000KD9HOW

This Sceptred Isle: Music Inspired By the Events of the 20th Century

Average customer rating:

I HAVE seen this CD and really like it.

This Sceptred Isle: Music Inspired By the Events of the 20th Century

Manufacturer: BBC Legends
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004KDFI
Release Date: 2000-09-12

Customer Reviews:

I HAVE seen this CD and really like it........2003-10-31

This is a two CD set on which, though several of the cuts are edited, more than half appear in their entirety. What a splendid set they make! I've always been a fan of the musical grandeur evinced in British Imperial music. This album, particularly the first disc, offers music from this genre in spades, both instrumental and choral works. Hubert Parry's "I Was Glad" shines out in dazzling brilliance. Listening to Walton's warhorse "Crown Imperial" and Elgar's "Coronation March" we can visualize the full ceremony of state. And listening to Coates' "Dam Busters March" brings to mind all the hope of a proud people fighting, down to its last collective drop of blood, a mortal threat being wrought by an invader's ruthless forces. I'm sure this sounds melodramatic, but after all, total emotion is what this music is all about. I might ask for a cut or two less of Coates or Walton, not because those recordings were not excellent, but because, instead, I'd have liked a cut from Bridge, Tippett, or even Rutter. But, excepting that slight objection, this CD duo does its job most excellently and well.

Average customer rating:

Very nice

Pilgrim's Progress

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Classic Rock | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00004T460
Release Date: 2000-08-01

Tracks:

Shine On Brightly
In The Wee Small Hours Of Six Pence
Still There'll Be More
Pilgrim's Prgress
Quite Rightly So
Magdalene, My Regal Sonophone
Powerfailure
Salty Dog
Simply Sister

Album Description

36 minute long release featuring nine tracks recorded live in concert at the height of their success, including 'Shine On Brightly', 'Salty Dog' and 'In The Wee Small Hours Of Sixpence'. Also contains a video CD of these performances. Double slimline jewel case. 1995 release.

Customer Reviews:

Very nice.......2000-07-14

This live cd/video is certainly worth the money. I was surprised that the video was in such high quality. The music cd is ok in itself but the video cd creates a much cooler experience. I've never seen Procol live before. Oh, there is no audience on this gig. And the band seems to be very laid back. That's allright. I don't expect them to jump around to the songs. If you are a Procol-fan you should absoluteley get this one. I could give it four stars, but I'm a chicken today. Get it! It's very good and very cheap!

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Music Review

Classics [Import]

Cage: Two^6; Four No3

Gregorian Chant: Early Recordings

Across the Moon

Gay Happening Presents High Energy: The New Generation [Import]

Deep Peace: Music for Yoga and Relaxation

Canta Lupicinio [Import]

Derelicts of Dialect

Die Grossen Hits Aus 15 Jahren [Import]

Corelli: Concerti Grossi Op6

1. Shine On Brightly
2. In The Wee Small Hours Of Six Pence
3. Still There'll Be More
4. Pilgrim's Prgress
5. Quite Rightly So
6. Magdalene, My Regal Sonophone
7. Powerfailure
8. Salty Dog
9. Simply Sister