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The Lark Ascending

Dame Diana Rigg explores the enduring popularity of The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams. The work was recently chosen as Britain's favourite piece of classical music.

Dame Diana Rigg explores the enduring popularity of The Lark Ascending by the English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, which was recently voted Britain's favourite piece of classical music by listeners to Desert Island Discs on 麻豆官网首页入口 Radio 4.

Composed at a key turning point in world history, The Lark Ascending represents music for all occasions. It is used in rites of passage such as births, deaths and marriages, and is a favourite for film-makers looking to create that quintessential English pastoral feel. Fans of the work include actor Peter Sallis, who wants a copy of The Lark Ascending to be buried with him, top violinist Tasmin Little, who has played the piece as part of the 麻豆官网首页入口 Proms, and music critic Michael Kennedy, who was a personal friend of Vaughan Williams.

The programme includes a beautiful new performance of the work in the same village hall where it was heard for the first time in December 1920. The Lark Ascending is performed by 15-year-old violin prodigy Julia Hwang and pianist Charles Matthews, using the original arrangement for violin and piano.

30 minutes

Last on

Sun 12 Jun 2022 20:00

Music Played

  • Eric Coates and Symphony Orchestra

    By The Sleepy Lagoon DESERT ISLAND DISCS

  • Ralph Vaughan Williams

    The Lark Ascending

    Conductor: Adrian Boult. Performer: Hugh Bean.

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Diana Rigg
Producer Maggie Mathews
Producer Jenny Walmsley
Executive Producer Roger Farrant

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