Ralph Vaughan Williams: Symphony No. 9 / Piano Concerto - Bryden Thomson

Vaughan Williams's Piano Concerto really is a lot of fun, from the chiming chords of the opening to the demented waltz finale. Its very thickly written piano part induced the composer to arrange the work for two pianos, which only made the textures thicker still--if easier for the soloists. While working on the revision, Vaughn Williams also revised the ending, adding a poetic, quiet close. This was promptly adapted to the single piano version as well, spelling doom for the work's chances in the concert hall because very few soloists will play a concerto that ends quietly! On a recording, of course, it doesn't make any difference, so there's no reason at all not to give this highly entertaining work a listen. --David Hurwitz