Two giants of English music meet two key works of the 20th century. Who better than Australian violin master and national treasure Richard Tognetti to bring to life Vaughan Williams’ iconic The Lark Ascending. An enduring favourite, this work is a glorious evocation of English pastoral life inspired by George Meredith’s soaring verse of the same name. With all the scrunchy saltiness of the coast off Britten’s beloved East Anglia, his Four Sea Interludes are vividly evocative. Crafted by the master of scene changes, each of the interludes contrast in their character but are cohesive in their immaculate construction. A composer whose unique voice was forged by the trauma of World War II and Stalinism; Polish composer Lutosławski was a key figure of 20th century music. Despite the grit of his life, his Partita for Violin and Orchestra creates a melodic expanse. The final work of the iconic Russian composer, Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances are a kaleidoscope of colour. A rarity for its inclusion of orchestral saxophone, this music builds from its sinister opening to a climax of Russian fire. PROGRAM BRITTEN Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes LUTOSŁAWSKI Partita for Violin and Orchestra VAUGHAN WILLIAMS The Lark Ascending RACHMANINOV Symphonic Dances ARTISTS Sir Andrew Davis, conductor Richard Tognetti, violin Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes. Composed by Benjamin Britten. By permission of Boosey & Hawkes Music Publishers Ltd. All rights administered by Hal Leonard Australia. The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams is used by permission of Hal Leonard Australia Pty. Ltd, exclusive agents Oxford University Press. Sir Andrew Davis appears with the kind permission of Chandos Records.