Grace Williams: Orchestral Works BBC Philharmonic & John Andrews

• Grace Williams (1906 - 1977): Four Illustrations for the Legend of Rhiannon:
• 1 Williams: Four Illustrations for the Legend of Rhiannon: I. The Conflict 03:22
• 2 Williams: Four Illustrations for the Legend of Rhiannon: II. The Nuptial Feast 07:36
• 3 Williams: Four Illustrations for the Legend of Rhiannon: III. The Penance 08:19
• 4 Williams: Four Illustrations for the Legend of Rhiannon: IV. The Return of Pryderi 07:24
• Castell Caernarfon:
• 5 Williams: Castell Caernarfon 10:24
• Ballads:
• 6 Williams: Ballads: I. Allegro moderato, alla canzone 04:19
• 7 Williams: Ballads: II. Alla marcia solenne 04:28
• 8 Williams: Ballads: III. Andante calmante 05:01
• 9 Williams: Ballads: IV. Allegro furioso 03:25
• Sea Sketches for String Orchestra:
• 10 Williams: Sea Sketches for String Orchestra: I. High Wind 03:33
• 11 Williams: Sea Sketches for String Orchestra: II. Sailing Song 02:33
• 12 Williams: Sea Sketches for String Orchestra: III. Channel Sirens 04:02
• 13 Williams: Sea Sketches for String Orchestra: IV. Breakers 02:39
• 14 Williams: Sea Sketches for String Orchestra: V. Calm Sea in Summer 05:54
• Total Runtime 01:12:59

Info for Grace Williams: Orchestral Works

The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, under the expert baton of John Andrews, illuminates four of Grace Williams’ orchestral gems, spanning three decades of her illustrious career. This album opens with Four Illustrations of the Legend of Rhiannon (1939), a masterful suite that vividly brings the Welsh goddess to life with cinematic flair. The Sea Sketches (1944), composed during the wartime tumult of London, evoke the longing for her native Barry, Glamorgan, and cement her status among Britain’s compositional elite. The Ballads mark a return to Welsh mythos, with movements inspired by the emotional and cultural essence of her homeland. The regal Castell Caernarfon (1969), originally scored for the investiture of HRH Prince Charles, showcases Williams’ grandiloquent style. This release pays homage to Williams' legacy, celebrating her as one of the premier Welsh composers of the twentieth century.

BBC Philharmonic
John Andrews, conductor

John Andrews
was born in Nairobi in 1976 and brought up in Manchester. He came to orchestral music by a roundabout route via the intensely competitive Brass Band tradition, having been introduced to the tuba through his Local Authority’s peripatetic music service. He went on to study at Cambridge, graduating with a PhD in 2008. Passionate about keeping music available to the widest possible audience, John teaches on the Cambridge Music Hubs programme, and has lectured at the Elgar School of Music and the Blackheath Conservatoire. His gift for combining empathy and feel for both music and musicians with an ability to directly and powerfully communicate his ideas, together with his passion for locating music in its social and historical context, brings dynamism and warmth to his interpretations of both rare and classic repertoire.

The NSO is admired for both its versatility, its ability to communicate and to connect with audiences with virtuosity, commitment and passion. It was founded in the 1940’s and immediately became a significant recording orchestra. From the 1980’s the reputation and standing of the orchestra surged forwards, successfully performing and recording for audiences in a dynamic range of genres: Classical, Film and TV scores, West End and Broadways Musicals, accompanying celebrated international singers, all of which it continues to do to this day.

Justin Pearson, General Manager and Artistic Director of the NSO, said: ‘John Andrews is a conductor who is clearly going to enhance his growing reputation for versatility, musicality and energy. Musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra have immediately responded to his vision and have singled him out as a major charismatic talent. NSO look forward to working with John on range of innovative projects over coming years.’

In describing John, Matthew Scrivener, leader of NSO and English National Ballet Philharmonic added: ‘John Andrews is an excellent musician with integrity and clear direction and with whom it is a pleasure to work. He will be a great asset to the NSO and a fine complement to our Music Director, Anthony Inglis.’

Speaking about his new position, John Andrews said: ‘I am absolutely thrilled to be taking up this post with such a wonderful group of talented and versatile musicians. They are a delight to work with and I am looking forward to a rich and rewarding mixture of projects over the seasons to come.’

As Principal Guest Conductor, John will conduct both recording sessions and live concerts across a wide range of repertoire and styles.

Booklet for Grace Williams: Orchestral Works