Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)

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Introduction
Ralph Vaughan Williams was an English composer known for his chamber music and symphonies. He studied music at Charterhouse School, Trinity College in Cambridge and the Royal College of Music. Vaughan Williams was also educated by Max Bruch in Berlin and Maurice Ravel in Paris. He was a known editor of The Oxford Book of Carols and other famous hymns. Vaughan Williams maintained a strong relationship with Gustav Holst throughout his life which enhanced both of their music careers. Over time, he taught/conducted at Leith Hill Music Festival, Bach’s St Matthew Passion and his alma mater, the Royal College of Music in London.

Works
The Lark Ascending

This piece is a phenominal chamber orchestra composition including a lengthy introduction violin solo. However, in Alba it was performed by Musica Japan with a solo on flute. "The Lark Ascending" is an extremely mellow classical piece inspired by the first world war. The violin solo begins on the darker side for a round, full sound and progresses into a light orchestral tune.

Comparisons
Vaughan Williams produced so many various types of work including nine symphonies, five operas, film music, ballets, song cycles, church music and choral and orchestral pieces. This showed that his music excellence was diverse and he was a very versatile composer. Different than "The Lark Ascending" Vaughan Williams was known for his "English Folk Song Suite." The piece was written for military band versus the Lark's chamber orchestra and was, of course, an upbeat march. The march was very busy and had much dynamic contrast across different instrument families.

Observations
Vaughan Williams is a versatile composer capable of very many things. His passion was shown through his music rather than being his music. His folk song collection and military background was portrayed through all of his major works. "The Lark Ascending" was a very powerful piece no matter whom it is performed by. It is always a great tribute to the mark that Vaughan Williams left on the world.