Critical Discography

By the time that Society co-founder and Vaughan Williams authority Stephen Connock first produced his selective discography in 1994, the catalog of Vaughan Williams recordings had grown significantly from the early days, and while many of the performances—classic and new—were worthy, it was apparent that some guidance to those wishing to explore the repertoire would be helpful, both to recall recordings of special merit to experienced members and hidden treasures they may have missed, and to assist the newer listener in locating recordings that establish important benchmarks in the catalog.

My version of this discography has been informed by the work of my eminent predecessor, though those comparing them will find differences in perspective as well as a considerable expansion. I hope, ultimately, that this new iteration will be found worthy of its previous versions; that it will generate enlightening and enlivening discussions and lead to joyous and moving discoveries. If it does, it will have served its purpose well.

Ronald E. Grames – 2023