Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)
English conductor, organist, teacher, and composer of symphonies, chamber music, opera, choral music, songs, and film scores. He was a collector of English folk music and song. Created a contemporary idiom rooted in the English tradition.
"What we want in England is real music, even if it be only a music-hall song."
“Listening to the Fifth Symphony of Ralph Vaughan Williams is like staring at a cow for forty-five minutes.”
"..ostensibly familiar and commonplace, yet deep and mystical as well as lyrical, melodic, melancholic, and nostalgic yet timeless." Peter Ackroyd
Best known works: The Lark Ascending, Mass in G Minor, Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, 5th Symphony, 1st Symphony (A Sea Symphony)