Ralph Vaughan Williams was an influential English composer born on 12 October 1872. His expansive body of work includes nine symphonies, operas, and choral music, reflecting his deep connection to English folk song and Tudor music. Vaughan Williams’s approach marked a significant shift in British music away from the German styles that dominated the 19th century. Despite coming from a well-off family, he believed that music should be accessible to everyone. He wrote many pieces for amateur performers and students, aiming to share his passion for music with all.

He started composing music in earnest in his thirties, a turning point aided by his studies with the French composer Maurice Ravel, which helped him clarify his musical style. Two of his most famous pieces are “Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis” and “The Lark Ascending.” Vaughan Williams’s compositions display a wide range of emotions and are celebrated for their ability to connect deeply with the listener.