Choral symphony simply an attempt at grandiose effect, though the composer's use of such forces earned the work the subtitle "Symphony of a Thousand" from his press agent (a name still applied to the symphony). Like Stravinsky, Mahler makes extensive and extended use of counterpoint, especially in the first part, "Veni Creator Spiritus". Throughout this section, according to music writer Michael Kennedy, Mahler displays considerable mastery in manipulating multiple independent melodic voices. Musicologist Deryck Cooke adds that Mahler handles his huge forces "with extraordinary clarity". Vaughan Williams also insisted on a balance between words and music in "A Sea Symphony", writing in
A London Symphony (Bridgewater Hall, Oct. 14, 2010) Seaman — Rochester Philharmonic — Harmonia Mundi HMU 807567 (March 2011) Yates — Royal Scottish National Orchestra — Dutton Epoch CDLX 7322 (Jan. 13, 2015) Manze — RLPO — Onyx 4155 (Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, March 29-30, 2015) Brabbins — BBC SO — Hyperion CDA 68190 (Henry Wood Hall, Nov. 2016) A London Symphony A London Symphony is the second symphony composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams. The work is sometimes referred to as the Symphony No. 2, though it was not designated as such by the composer. First performed in 1914, the four-movement symphony was lost,