Today is the birthday of one of my favorite composers of all time, Ralph Vaughan Williams. Since it’s a holiday, perhaps you’ll have time to luxuriate in his radiant Symphony No. 5, an unexpected of ray of hope composed during the darkest days of World War II (1938-1943). Some of the ideas were incorporated from work on his opera “The Pilgrim’s Progress.”
The symphony is dedicated to another one of my all-time favorites, Jean Sibelius. When Sibelius heard the work in Stockholm, conducted by Malcolm Sargent, he wrote, “This symphony is a marvelous work… the dedication made me feel proud and grateful… I wonder if Dr. Williams has any idea of the pleasure he has given me?”
It’s ironic that Vaughan Williams, a self-professed agnostic (who had softened his stance from atheism), often proved to be an exceptionally spiritual composer. The audience at the symphony’s premiere, with the 70 year-old composer conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra, emerged from Royal Albert Hall feeling enriched and empowered to face anything the future threw their way. Vaughan Williams’ music stirred in its listeners a determination to strive for light and life. The music somehow embodied everything the Allies were fighting for.
Happy Birthday, Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958).
Here’s Vaughan Williams conducting his Symphony No. 5 in 1952:
And a recording of the work in more up-to-date sound, with the late, great Vernon Handley:
PHOTO: RVW and Foxy