Vaughan Williams: Job, Symphony No. 9 – Andrew Davies

   in Classical Music (Apr, 2017)
Richard Hickox’s fine RVW cycle for Chandos was cut short by the conductor’s early death. Davis finally takes up the mantle with a searing performance of the enigmatic ninth symphony, tauter than his earlier Teldec reading. Even better, though, is Job: a tremendous, Blake-inspired score whose challenges are triumphantly met here. It is one of Vaughan Williams’ most dramatic works and the sheer power of the Bergen forces (that organ!) contrast perfectly with sections of great textural beauty. Superb SACD sound, even for this label. …