Vaughn Williams

Ralph Vaughan Williams 

Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) stands as a pivotal figure in 20th-century British music, his compositions characterized by their distinctive English pastoralism, their incorporation of folk melodies, and their profound emotional depth. His music reflects a deep connection to the English landscape and a lifelong commitment to the revival of English musical heritage.

Vaughan Williams's childhood in Down Ampney, Gloucestershire, was steeped in literature and music. His father, a vicar, instilled in him a love for English poetry and prose. His musical education began early, and he demonstrated a natural talent for composition. He attended Charterhouse School and then Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied music with Charles Villiers Stanford. (1) 

Cambridge provided a fertile environment for Vaughan Williams's musical development. Stanford, while a traditionalist, provided a solid grounding in musical technique. However, Vaughan Williams sought a more distinctly English musical voice. He furthered his studies at the Royal College of Music with Hubert Parry, who encouraged him to explore English folk music. A pivotal moment in his development was his study with Max Bruch in Berlin, which exposed him to the rich tradition of German Romanticism. However, it was his deep dive into English folk song, beginning in earnest in the early 1900's, that truly shaped his mature style. (2) 

Vaughan Williams's personal life was marked by a deep commitment to his art and a strong sense of social responsibility. He married Adeline Fisher in 1897. Their marriage lasted until her death in 1951. He married Ursula Wood in 1953, and they were married until Vaughan William's death in 1958. He was a man of integrity and principle, known for his humility and his dedication to music education.

His relationships with mentors, patrons, and other composers were complex. As noted, Parry was a strong influence. He worked with many within the English musical rennasaince of that period. He was not one to cultivate wealthy patrons, as much as he worked with fellow composers, and those who where involved with the collection, and perservation of folk song. He became a leading figure in the English musical renaissance, championing the works of his contemporaries and encouraging younger composers.

Historical events significantly shaped Vaughan Williams's compositions. World War I, in particular, had a profound impact on his music. His experience as an ambulance driver on the Western Front imbued his later works with a sense of loss and reflection. His "Pastoral Symphony" (1922), for example, is considered a poignant response to the horrors of war. The rise of fascism in Europe in the 1930s also influenced his music, leading him to compose works that expressed his deep commitment to freedom and democracy. World War II also made impacts, and the changing landscape of England during industrialization, colored his music.  (3) 

Vaughan Williams's compositional style is characterized by its broad range and its distinctive English voice. He seamlessly blended elements of English folk song, Tudor music, and modern musical techniques. His symphonies, choral works, and film scores are celebrated for their lyrical beauty, their emotional depth, and their enduring relevance.

Credits and Footnotes:

1. Kennedy, Michael. Vaughan Williams. Oxford University Press, 1964.

2. Day, James. Vaughan Williams. J.M. Dent & Sons Ltd, 1998.

3. Frogley, Alain. Vaughan Williams Studies. Cambridge University Press, 1996.

Links for Further Information:

• The Vaughan Williams Charitable Trust: https://rvwtrust.org.uk/

• Britannica - Ralph Vaughan Williams: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ralph-Vaughan-Williams

• Grove Music Online (Oxford Music Online): Access will require subscription.