WATCH: Inside The Music – The Lark Ascending

Recorded at Kings Weston House, music educator Dr. Jonathan James takes a close look at Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending and brings the score to life, with insights into the structure and harmonies that make this such an iconic work.

In this talk from the piano, Jonathan asks why this piece has retained its universal appeal over the century and how Vaughan Williams says so much with so little: how he combines high art with folk music, and how, through his imaginative touch, the flight of the lark becomes the flight of the soul.

Credits

With thanks to Kings Weston House and Shirehampton Public Hall

Presented by Bristol Beacon and Bristol Ensemble

Supported using National Lottery funding by Arts Council England, The Vaughan Williams Charitable Trust and Paragon Music Trust

Featuring Dr. Jonathan James

Producer – Duncan Smith
Director of Photography – Alex Riley
Sound Recording – Jon Worsley
Gaffer – Frazer Riches
Editor – Alex Riley
Sound Mixing – Jon Worsley