Vaughan Williams

Ralph Vaughan Williams is a versatile, influential, and enduringly popular British musician of his era. This biography provides a well-rounded and factually accurate portrait of the composer, exploring his life, career, and music. It reveals his complex artistry and dynamic personality, positioning him as an artist of rare skill, sensitivity, and human insight.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Ralph Vaughan Williams, a renowned British musician of his era, stands as one of the most versatile, influential, and enduringly popular figures in the world of music. Throughout his extensive career, which spanned various roles as a composer, conductor, editor, scholar, folk song collector, teacher, author, administrator, and philanthropist, Vaughan Williams dedicated himself tirelessly to enhancing the standards and quality of British musical life. His unwavering work ethic and meticulous attention to musical detail propelled him to forge a captivating and distinctive expressive idiom, rooted in a profound understanding of musical history and tradition. This unique style was showcased in his renowned compositions such as the Tallis Fantasia, The Lark Ascending, A London Symphony, the Songs of Travel, and the Serenade to Music, which have become concert staples and beloved pieces of music worldwide.

In his comprehensive biography, Eric Saylor delves into the life of Vaughan Williams, exploring new insights into his early career, military service during the Great War, and his relationships with the women he loved and married. The book also provides a comprehensive survey of Vaughan Williams's vast musical oeuvre, encompassing a wide range of genres, from hymn tunes to operas, keyboard etudes to solo concerti, wind band music for amateurs to perhaps the finest symphonic cycle of the twentieth century. Through meticulous research and analysis, Saylor paints a vivid portrait of Vaughan Williams's complex artistry and dynamic personality, often challenging the familiar avuncular persona of Uncle Ralph that the public knew.

This contemporary reassessment of Vaughan Williams's life and works offers a concise yet engaging overview of both, positioning him as an artist of rare skill, sensitivity, and human insight. Saylor's writing style is accessible and engaging, making the book an invaluable resource for music enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone interested in delving deeper into the life and legacy of this remarkable composer.

In conclusion, Ralph Vaughan Williams's biography by Eric Saylor is a remarkable achievement that provides a comprehensive and factually accurate portrayal of the composer's life and works. Through his dedication, versatility, and profound understanding of music, Vaughan Williams left an indelible mark on the world of music, and this book serves as a testament to his enduring legacy. Whether you are a music lover or a scholar, this biography is a must-read for anyone seeking to appreciate the artistry and brilliance of Vaughan Williams.

Weight: 684g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190918569