The Symphony was dedicated to Sibelius "without permission " . The older composer was very pleased when he heard this great Symphony. Large portions of the score come from VW's opera "The Pilgrim's Progress " which was not yet finished. There's an outstanding performance with the composer conducting this glorious Symphony: September 3rd, 1952.
At the first performance of this great work, at the Proms Concert in wartime London in 1943, at the end, instead of applauding, the audience sat in silence for two or three minutes before applauding. They had been blown sideways by its great idyllic beauty while bombs were raining down on London. This was reported in all the newspapers at the time.
One of the great masterpieces of the 20th century. There is nothing remotely like it in the repertoire (well there might be out of the repertoire but I wouldn't know). Anyway RVW uses a smallish orchestra but you wouldn't know it from listening to this piece as he really uses the instruments to maximum effect. Anyway I really enjoy this work.
Along the first movement, I enjoyed the deepest bass sounds, it's a nice effect which brings out the highest pitched sounds closest to our ears. WOW! It's well formulated! 😍🤩
