Vaughan Williams: A London Symphony, Serenade to Music – review

With the chimes of Big Ben rising through the fog of the soft-footed opening bars, Vaughan Williams's London Symphony sings of a city still recognisable, however dramatic the changes since its 1914 premiere (revised 1920). But the music goes beyond mere pictorial effect. Years later, he suggested this eve of the Great War symphony mirrored a passing imperial world, the end of old certainties and habits. The fruitful partnership here of British conductor Christopher Seaman and his American orchestra (after 13 years as music director Seaman is now Rochester Philharmonic 's conductor laureate) offers much gleam, warmth and vitality, if not always the greatest subtlety.