Vaughan Williams, Ralph << vawn WIHL yuhmz, rayf >> (1872-1958), was one of the United Kingdom’s foremost composers. His music mingles the flavors of English folk songs and Tudor church music, both of which he studied intensively. His major works include nine symphonies and six operas. He also composed music for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
Vaughan Williams was born on Oct. 12, 1872, in the parish of Down Ampney, Gloucestershire. He began composing comparatively late in life. His notable earlier works include an overture (1909) to the ancient Greek comedy The Wasps; the song cycle On Wenlock Edge (1909) to poems by A. E. Housman; A Sea Symphony (1909) for orchestra and voices; Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis (1910) for strings; A London Symphony (1914); The Lark Ascending for violin and orchestra (1921); and an opera on folk themes, Hugh the Drover (completed in 1914, first performed in 1924).
Vaughan Williams became more productive as he grew older. His music also turned more somber and more abstract. His Piano Concerto (1931), later revised for two pianos and orchestra, pointed the way toward his final period. This period included his last four symphonies and the opera The Pilgrim’s Progress (1951). His Concerto for Bass Tuba (1954) demonstrates his interest in less popular instruments, such as the harmonica, vibraphone, and flugelhorn. Vaughan Williams died on Aug. 26, 1958.
