King's College Cambridge Easter #26 Let all the World [2014][Vaughan Williams]

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This song, like the other four in the set, is usually performed with the optional chorus and with orchestra. Antiphon, in particular, would not sound nearly as effective without the chorus and with accompaniment reduced to organ. Its exuberance, from the scurrying strings of the opening to the rush of energy from all the forces throughout, yearns for greater expressive range and color. This song shares something in common with the exultant manner of the composer's Festival Te Deum (1937) and the final chorus of Dona Nobis Pacem (1936).

Using texts from George Herbert (1593 - 1633), Vaughan Williams fashioned one of his most exuberant vocal/choral creations here, brilliantly capturing the spirit of the metaphysical poet's words. After the energetic opening, the soloist (or soloist and chorus) enters with the words, "Let all the world in ev'ry corner sing (repeated)/My God and King." Vaughan Williams supplies an ecstatic, vigorous theme and mixes it with contrasting music of subdued but energetic character. After the soloist (or soloist and chorus) sings the final "My God and King," the orchestra rushes to a triumphant close. While the reduced versions of this piece are clearly less compelling than the larger ones, even they will convey the grandeur and exuberance of Vaughan Williams' inspired music. ~ Robert Cummings, Rovi

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Easter from King's is available to download in HD from www.kingscollegerecordings.com