OnMusic Dictionary

Composer

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Info

Born 10/12/1872
Birth Location Down Ampney, United Kingdom
Died 08/26/1958
Death Location Hanover Terrace, United Kingdom
Nationality England
Era Romantic
Genres Vocal, Orchestral, Opera

Biography

His first piece of music was a four-measure composition for the piano, at the age of six. He made his first public appearance as a violinist in 1882, and also studied the organ and the viola. Williams studied at the Royal College of Music in London and Trinity College, where he focused on music composition and organ. In 1901 he earned his doctorate in music from Cambridge University.

His career changed when he joined the English Folk Song Society. Research in folk songs led to the completion of three works embodying Old English folk melodies. He published his first edition of folk songs in 1903. Works that followed flowed with a lyrical freshness, creating a new sound of English visionary traditions. In 1934, after the death of Sir Edward Elgar, England's foremost composer, Williams became the successor to the honorary position. In 1935, he received the Order of Merit.

Main Works

Orchestra:
9 Symphonies
The Lark Ascending
Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1
Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis

Opera:
The First Nowell (nativity play, with additions by Douglas)
Hugh the Drover (romantic ballad opera)
The Pilgrim's Progress
The Poisoned Kiss (opera, "Romantic Extravaganza" )
Riders to the Sea (1 act opera, from a play by J.M. Synge)
Sir John in Love (opera)
The Shepherds of the Delectable Mountains
Incidental music for The Wasps (after Aristophanes' play)

Art Songs:
Songs of Travel
Many Arranged Folk Songs

Last Updated: 2013-02-28 18:49:09

Composer

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Info

Biography

Main Works

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