Ralph Vaughan Williams (The most English of Englishmen.)

Though born (12 Oct 1872 ) into the privileged intellectual upper middle class, with family connections to both Josiah Wedgewood and Charles Darwin, and friend of Gustaf Holst,Vaughan Williams never took it for granted,and worked all his life for the democratic ideals.As a private in the medical Corp,he saw action as a stretcher bearer in the Great War.

As an English composer of Symphonies,film and choral music,and an avid collector of English Folk music, Williams became a central figure in British music because of his long career as teacher,lecturer and friend to so many younger musicians.his writings on music remain thought-provoking, particularly his oft-repeated call for all persons to make their own music,however simple,as long as it their own.

  http://youtu.be/HWwBh0dzgi4   "A Lark ascending"
http://youtu.be/rsT0KFZZ3lM     " A London Symphony "

Though intrinsically involved with religion and Church music,Vaughan Williams was an atheist, yet characteristically his music can seem familiar to all. Deep and mystical as well as lyrical and melodic his style expresses a deep regard for,and fascination with not only English folk tunes, but also the early music of people like Thomas Tallis.

On the 26 August Vaughan Williams died and was laid to rest in Westminster Abbey.


        "One is never quite sure whether one is listening to something very old or very new"

      Film scores
          http://youtu.be/VFZyJ956sJk       "Scott of the Antarctic"
          http://youtu.be/3Y5x3bWdTTQ   "Coastal Command"