This disc by
James Judd and the
New Zealand Symphony of
Vaughan Williams orchestral favorites and a surprise is better in its surprise than in its favorites. Although passionately conducted by
Judd and ardently played by the
New Zealand Symphony, their Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis lacks surge and climax, their Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1 fails to catch fire during its central march, their In the Fen Country wants mystery in its evocative opening, and their Greensleeves wants wonder in its age-old pastoral. For these
Vaughan Williams favorites, the listener might first try the age-old
Boult and
Barbirolli recordings and the more recent
Bryden Thomson recording of In the Fen County. For the surprising Concerto Grosso that closes the disc, however,
Judd and the
New Zealand turn in a sprightly, snappy, and simply delightful performance, out-distancing
Boult's LPO recording in elegance and grace. Anyone who knows and loves his
Vaughan Williams will enjoy this Concerto Grosso. Naxos' DSD, super audio CD sound is okay, but nothing special: a bit cleaner, maybe, but as always, a bit harder, too.