Vaughn williams biography

Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958) is one of the most important composers of the 20th century. Drawing on the influences of English folk song and Tudor polyphony, Ralph succeeded at reviving British music during a career that spanned over six decades.

Life and Music
Ralph's interest in music began at an early age, when in addition to playing the violin, viola, piano and organ he became increasingly interested in composition.

He studied at the Royal College of Music alongside Gustav Holst, then for three years at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was a pupil of Parry, Charles Wood and Stanford.

Ralph's early work was influenced by his dissatisfaction with the English music scene.

He decided to draw on native resources, rather than turning to foreign influences, therefore English folksong became a pivotal part of his composition.

Ralph's first big public success came in 1910 at the premiere of his Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis, before achievin