Beyond Rhosymedre: The Organ Works of Ralph Vaughan Williams

Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was one of the twentieth century’s most important composers of sacred music and hymnody for the church. Unfortunately, most of his original organ compositions are rarely performed by organists. Vaughan Williams’ organ works are vital compositions in his overall catalog of works that have been unjustly ignored, and these compositions are comparable to other works that he was writing at the same time. With examples from scores, audio clips, and relevant historical background, this presentation will compare  Vaughan Williams’ organ pieces (published and unpublished) to his other works to demonstrate the various commonalities that exist between the different genres of composition, and the influence of folk songs in his music. This presentation is also intended as a timely observance of the sesquicentennial of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ birth, October 12, 1872.