The Wasps Overture

Vaughan Williams’ Overture to his 1909 incidental music for Aristophanes’ comedy The Wasps buzzes noisily into life with stinging trills and scales. The musical swarm subsides to give way the characterful folk-inflected melodies that are a hallmark of the composer’s style. A spiky opening march is offset by more lilting material, before the 9½ minute piece reaches its boisterous conclusion. This new edition incorporates extensive notes on the score. Corresponding orchestral parts for this edition are available to hire.