October 12, 1872:
Ralph Vaughan Williams is born in the Old Vicarage at All Saints Church, Down Ampney, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom, the youngest of three children born to Rev. Arthur Charles Vaughan Williams, Vicar of Christ Church, Down Ampney, and Margaret Susan Wedgwood.
August 5, 1888:
Trio for piano and strings in G by Ralph Vaughan Williams (15) is performed for the first time, in Charterhouse, Godalming.
November 18, 1893:
Music, When Soft Voices Die for male chorus by Ralph Vaughan Williams (21) to words of Shelley, is performed for the first time, at the Cambridge University Musical Club by a solo quartet.
November 3, 1894:
The Virgin’s Cradle Song for voice and piano by Ralph Vaughan Williams (22) to words of Coleridge is performed for the first time, in the Cambridge University Musical Club the composer at the keyboard.
November 20, 1895:
As part of the bicentennial of the death of Henry Purcell, the Royal College of Music presents, at the Lyceum Theatre, the first performance of Dido and Aeneas since the composer’s life. The work is directed by Charles Villiers Stanford (43) and the student participants include Ralph Vaughan Williams (23) and Gustav Holst (21).
October 9, 1897:
Ralph Vaughan Williams marries Adeline Fisher at Parish Church, All Saints, Hove, Sussex, three days before his 25th birthday. The couple are joined by Rev. WJ Spooner, later of Spoonerism fame.
March 5, 1901:
The Heroic Elegy and Triumphal Epilogue, a work for orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (28), is performed for the first time, at the Royal College of Music, London.
April 4, 1901:
The Serenade for small orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (28) is performed for the first time, at the Winter Gardens, Bournemouth.
June 5, 1901:
The Quintet for clarinet, horn, violin, cello, and piano in D by Ralph Vaughan Williams (28) is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London.
March 10, 1902:
The Bucolic Suite for orchestra of Ralph Vaughan Williams (29) is performed for the first time, in Bournemouth.
May 14, 1902:
Rest, a work for chorus by Ralph Vaughan Williams (29) is performed for the first time, at St. James’ Hall, London.
September 4, 1902:
Two songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams (29) are premiered at Hooten Roberts Musical Union, near Rotherham, England. These are Linden Lea, to an anonymous author and Blackmore by the Stour, a folksong.
October 6, 1902:
Ralph Vaughan Williams (29) begins a series of six lectures at Pokesdown, Bournemouth. They will go through 14 December.
November 27, 1902:
Two songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams (30) are premiered in St. James’ Hall, London: Entlaubet ist der Walde to anonymous words, and Whither Must I Wander? to words of Stevenson.
January 19, 1903:
Ralph Vaughan Williams (30) begins a course of lectures at Gloucester, continuing through 30 April.
February 5, 1903:
Tears, Idle Tears, a song by Ralph Vaughan Williams (30) to words of Tennyson, is performed for the first time, in St. James’ Hall, London.
March 10, 1903:
Silent Noon, a song by Ralph Vaughan Williams (30) to words of D. Rossetti, is performed for the first time, in St. James’ Hall, London.
March 12, 1903:
The cantata Willow-wood for solo voice and piano by Ralph Vaughan Williams (30) to words of DG Rossetti, is performed for the first time, in St. James’ Hall, London. See 25 September 1909.
April 16, 1903:
Three songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams (30) are performed for the first time, in Exeter: If I were a Queen, for solo voice and piano to words of Rossetti, Adieu and Cousin Michael, both for two solo voices and piano, to anonymous words (tr. Ferguson).
April 27, 1903:
Sound Sleep, for women’s chorus and piano by Ralph Vaughan Williams (30) to words of C. Rossetti, is performed for the first time, in St. James’ Hall, London.
October 19, 1903:
A song by Ralph Vaughan Williams (31), Réveillez-vous, Piccars, to anonymous words (tr. England), is performed for the first time, in Eastbourne.
December 2, 1903:
A letter from Ralph Vaughan Williams (31) appears in the Morning Post. It refers to a recent lecture on folk song by Cecil Sharp (44) and suggests that county councils be engaged in the preservation of folk songs.
December 4, 1903:
In Ingrave, near Brentwood in Essex, Mr. Charles Potiphar, a laborer, sings “Bushes and Briars” to Ralph Vaughan Williams (31), who writes it down. It is the first English folk song of the hundreds he will collect throughout his life.
February 11, 1904:
Two songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams (31), Jean Renaud and L’Amour de Moy, to anonymous words (tr. England), are performed for the first time, at St. James’ Hall, London.
March 7, 1904:
The orchestral work Symphonic Rhapsody by Ralph Vaughan Williams (31), is performed for the first time, in Bournemouth.
March 22, 1904:
Think of Me, a song by Ralph Vaughan Williams (31) to anonymous words (tr. Ferguson), is performed for the first time, in Steinway Hall, London.
April 20, 1904:
Gustav Holst (29) enters upon duties as teacher of class singing at James Allen’s Girls’ School in Southeast London. He was recommended by the last person to hold the job, Ralph Vaughan Williams (31). See 16 September 1904.
June 30, 1904:
String Quartet in C by Ralph Vaughan Williams (31) is performed for the first time, at the Oxford and Cambridge Musical Club.
October 24, 1904:
Two Vocal Duets for 2 voices, piano, and string quartet ad.lib. by Ralph Vaughan Williams (32) are performed for the first time, in Reading Town Hall.
December 2, 1904:
In a concert in Bechstein Hall, London, several songs by Gustav Holst (30) are premiered. They are Soft and Gently op.4/3 to words of Heine; In a Wood op.15/4 to words of Hardy; I Will Not Let Thee Go op.15/6 to words of Bridges; Cradle Song op.16/5 to words of Blake; and Peace op.16/6 to words of Hyatt. The composer accompanies each at the piano. In the same performance, two song cycles by Ralph Vaughan Williams (32), The House of Life, to words of D. Rossetti, and Songs of Travel, to words of Stevenson, along with Orpheus with His Lute, a song to words of Shakespeare, are all performed for the first time. These are part of a concert of the works of Holst and Vaughan Williams which the latter produces at his own expense.
February 3, 1905:
A song by Ralph Vaughan Williams (32), Ye Little Birds, to words of Heywood, is performed for the first time, in Aeolian Hall, London.
April 24, 1905:
Incidental music to Jonson’s play Pan’s Anniversary by Ralph Vaughan Williams (32) is performed for the first time, in Bancroft Gardens, Stratford-on-Avon conducted by the composer. In addition, Gustav Holst (30) contributes orchestrations of keyboard music and traditional melodies.
October 31, 1905:
Dreamland, a song by Ralph Vaughan Williams (33) to words of C. Rossetti, is performed for the first time, in Aeolian Hall, London.
November 1, 1905:
Ralph Vaughan Williams (33) and his wife move to 13 Cheyne Walk, Chelsea.
November 28, 1905:
When I am Dead, My Dearest, a song by Ralph Vaughan Williams (33) to words of C. Rossetti, is performed for the first time, in Aeolian Hall, London.
December 14, 1905:
The Piano Quintet of Ralph Vaughan Williams (33) is performed for the first time, in Aeolian Hall, London.
August 23, 1906:
Norfolk Rhapsody no.1, an orchestral work by Ralph Vaughan Williams (33), is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London.
September 27, 1907:
The Norfolk Rhapsodies nos.2 and 3 for orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (34) are performed for the first time, in Park Hall, Cardiff, conducted by the composer.
October 10, 1907:
Two new works are premeiered in Leeds Town Hall: Toward the Unknown Region, for chorus and orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (34) to words of Whitman, directed by the composer, and Stabat mater op.96, a symphonic cantata for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra by Charles Villiers Stanford (55).
October 24, 1907:
After hearing his Piano Concerto, Ralph Vaughan Williams (35) writes to Frederick Delius (45) in London, asking to show him some scores and for advice. Delius will be of great help to him.
November 12, 1907:
Harnham Down for orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (35) is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London. Also premiered are three songs by Ethel Smyth (49) for voice and chamber orchestra to words of Régnier: Odette, La Danse, and Chrysilla.
December 13, 1907:
Ralph Vaughan Williams (35) arrives at the house of Maurice Ravel (32) in Paris to begin lessons. After learning that for his first assignment Vaughan Williams is to compose a “minuet in the style of Mozart”, the Englishman summons his best French to inform his teacher that he did not give up his life in England to come to France and write minuets in the style of Mozart. After this, the two become great friends. Vaughan Williams will spend about three months studying with Ravel, learning mostly orchestration.
January 25, 1909:
Is My Team Ploughing?, a song by Ralph Vaughan Williams (36) to words of Houseman, is performed for the first time, in Aeolian Hall, London.
February 22, 1909:
In the Fen Country for orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (36) is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London.
September 15, 1909:
Willow-wood, a cantata by Ralph Vaughan Williams (36) to words of Rossetti, is performed for the first time, in a setting for baritone or mezzo-soprano, female chorus, and orchestra, at Liverpool. See 12 March 1903.
September 24, 1909:
The first festival of The Musical League takes place in Liverpool today and tomorrow. It features music by English composers including Ethel Smyth (51), Frederick Delius (47), Ralph Vaughan Williams (36), Frank Bridge (30), Percy Grainger (27), and Arnold Bax (25).
November 8, 1909:
A String Quartet by Ralph Vaughan Williams (37) is performed for the first time, in Novello’s Rooms, London.
November 15, 1909:
On Wenlock Edge for tenor, piano, and string quartet by Ralph Vaughan Williams (37) is performed for the first time, in Aeolian Hall, London.
November 26, 1909:
Incidental music to Aristophanes’ play The Wasps by Ralph Vaughan Williams (37) is performed for the first time, at the University of Cambridge. See 23 July 1912.
September 1, 1910:
Fantasia on English Folk Songs, a work for orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (37), is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London.
September 6, 1910:
Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis for string orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (37) is performed for the first time, in Gloucester, conducted by the composer.
October 12, 1910:
The Symphony no.1 “A Sea Symphony” by Ralph Vaughan Williams for soprano, baritone, mixed chorus, and orchestra, to words of Whitman, is performed for the first time, in Leeds, conducted by the composer on his 38th birthday.
September 14, 1911:
Five Mystical Songs for baritone, chorus, and orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (38), to words of Herbert, is performed for the first time, in Worcester Cathedral, the composer conducting. A back desk violinist has fallen ill and during the performance his place is quietly taken by Fritz Kreisler. The master is to play the Elgar (54) concerto later in the program and wants to play in a new string. He asks his astonished deskmate to “nudge me if there’s anything difficult and I’ll leave it out.” The composer, glancing to the last row while conducting, thinks he is hallucinating.
July 23, 1912:
Two new works for orchestra are performed for the first time, in Queen's Hall, London, their respective composers conducting: Ralph Vaughan Williams’ (39) suite from his incidental music to The Wasps, and Phantastes Suite by Gustav Holst (37). See 26 November 1909.
September 12, 1912:
Fantasia on Christmas Carols for baritone, chorus, and orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (39) is performed for the first time, in Hereford Cathedral, the composer conducting. Also premiered is Ode on the Nativity by Hubert Parry (64) for soprano, chorus, and orchestra to words of Dunbar.
November 13, 1913:
O Praise the Lord of Heaven for two choirs and semi-chorus by Ralph Vaughan Williams (41), to words of the Bible, is performed for the first time, in St. Paul’s Cathedral, London.
March 23, 1914:
The Phantasy Quintet, for five stringed instruments by Ralph Vaughan Williams (41), is performed for the first time, in Aeolian Hall, London.
March 27, 1914:
The Symphony no.2 “A London Symphony” by Ralph Vaughan Williams (41) is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London. Also on the program is the premiere of Three Songs with Orchestra by Arnold Bax (30), to words of Fiona Macleod, anonymous, and the composer.
January 1, 1915:
World War I: The German submarine U-24 sinks the battleship HMS Formidable in the English Channel. 547 of her 780-man crew are lost.
The 2/4 Field Ambulance of the Royal Army Medical Corps, containing orderly Ralph Vaughan Williams (42), is relocated from Chelsea to Dorking
June 22, 1916:
World War I: The Germans unleash phosgene gas at Verdun. It penetrates gas masks and kills every breathing creature along the French lines.
Ralph Vaughan Williams (43) crosses the channel with his unit, to Le Havre. Their destination is Maizières, near the Somme.
March 1, 1918:
World War I: Ralph Vaughan Williams (45) embarks for France a second time, from Southampton. This time, he is assigned to the artillery.
June 19, 1919:
Oxford University confers on Ralph Vaughan Williams (46) an honorary DMus.
March 20, 1920:
Suite de Ballet for flute and piano by Ralph Vaughan Williams (47) is performed for the first time, privately, at the home of Mrs. Hammersley, London. See 9 April 1962.
May 26, 1920:
Four Hymns for tenor, viola, and strings by Ralph Vaughan Williams (47) to words of Taylor, Watts, Crashaw, and Bridges, are performed for the first time, in Cardiff.
June 9, 1920:
William Walton (18) passes the second half of his Bachelor of Music degree. Among his examiners is Ralph Vaughan Williams (47).
December 15, 1920:
The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams (48) is performed for the first time, in an arrangement for violin and piano made by the composer for this occasion, in Shirehampton Public Hall. See 14 June 1921.
February 10, 1921:
At a reception in London, Jean Sibelius (55) meets Ralph Vaughan Williams (48) for the first time.
June 14, 1921:
The Lark Ascending, a romance for violin and orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (48), is performed for the first time in its original orchestral setting, in Queen’s Hall, London in the inaugural concert of the British Music Society. See 15 December 1921.
October 4, 1921:
Three songs for solo voice and string trio entitled Merciless Beauty by Ralph Vaughan Williams (48) to words attributed to Chaucer, are performed for the first time, in Aeolian Hall, London. Also premiered is The Land of Lost Content, a cycle for voice and piano by John Ireland (42) to words of Housman.
December 14, 1921:
Ralph Vaughan Williams (49) conducts his first program as director of the Bach Choir. The concert, in Central Hall, Westminster, consists of cantatas.
January 26, 1922:
Symphony no.3 “Pastoral” by Ralph Vaughan Williams (49) is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London.
April 13, 1922:
O vos omnes, a motet for alto and chorus by Ralph Vaughan Williams (49), is performed for the first time, in Westminster Cathedral, London.
July 11, 1922:
Ralph Vaughan Williams’ (49) pastoral episode The Shepherds of the Delectable Mountains, to his own words after Bunyan, is performed for the first time, in the presence of Queen Mary, at the Royal College of Music, London.
October 12, 1922:
Gustav Holst (48) and friends silently enter the garden of 13 Cheyne Walk, London, and serenade the inhabitant, Ralph Vaughan Williams, on his fiftieth birthday. They sing a part song written for the occasion by Jane Joseph.
December 6, 1922:
Mass in g minor for chorus by Ralph Vaughan Williams (50) is performed for the first time, in Town Hall, Birmingham.
June 5, 1923:
Old King Cole, a ballet by Ralph Vaughan Williams (50), is performed for the first time, at Trinity College, Cambridge.
July 4, 1923:
The English Folk Song Suite for band by Ralph Vaughan Williams (50) is performed for the first time, in Kneller Hall, Twickenham.
January 24, 1924:
On Wenlock Edge, a song cycle by Ralph Vaughan Williams (51) to words of Houseman, is performed for the first time in its setting for voice and orchestra, in Queen’s Hall, London the composer conducting. See 15 November 1909.
July 4, 1924:
Hugh the Drover, or Love in the Stocks, a romantic ballad opera by Ralph Vaughan Williams (51) to words of Child, is performed for the first time, privately, at the Royal College of Music, London. See 14 July 1924.
July 14, 1924:
Hugh the Drover, or Love in the Stocks, a romantic ballad opera by Ralph Vaughan Williams (51) to words of Child, is given its first public performance at His Majesty’s Theatre, London. See 4 July 1924.
March 27, 1925:
Several works for voice and piano by Ralph Vaughan Williams (52) are performed for the first time, in Aeolian Hall, London: Two Poems by Seamas O’Sullivan (pseud. of James Starkey), Three Songs from Shakespeare, and Four Poems by Fredegond Shove.
October 10, 1925:
Flos Campi, a suite for viola, small wordless chorus, and small orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (52), is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London.
November 6, 1925:
Concerto accademico for violin and strings by Ralph Vaughan Williams (53) is performed for the first time, in Aeolian Hall, London.
May 7, 1926:
Ralph Vaughan Williams’ (53) oratorio Sancta civitas for tenor, baritone, chorus, semi-chorus, distant chorus, and orchestra, to texts from the Bible, is performed for the first time, at the Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford.
June 4, 1926:
Six Studies in English Folksong for cello and piano by Ralph Vaughan Williams (53) is performed for the first time, at the Scala Theatre, London.
December 26, 1926:
A masque with dancing, singing, and miming On Christmas Night, by Ralph Vaughan Williams (54), to words of Bolm and the composer, after Dickens, is performed for the first time, at the Eighth Street Theatre, Chicago.
May 24, 1927:
Assemble All Ye Maidens, from the Seven Part Songs for soprano, female chorus, and strings by Gustav Holst (52) to words of Bridges, is performed publicly for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London, Ralph Vaughan Williams (54) conducting.
October 24, 1927:
The song cycle Along the Field, for voice and violin by Ralph Vaughan Williams (55) to words of Houseman, is performed for the first time, at Grotrian Hall, London.
December 4, 1928:
For the enthronement of Cosmo Gordon Lang as Archbishop of Canterbury, a setting of the Te Deum for chorus and organ by Ralph Vaughan Williams (56) is performed for the first time, in Canterbury Cathedral.
March 21, 1929:
Sir John in Love, an opera by Ralph Vaughan Williams (56) to his own words (after Shakespeare), is performed for the first time, at the Royal College of Music, London.
January 14, 1930:
Prelude on ‘Song 13’ by Orlando Gibbons for piano by Ralph Vaughan Williams (57) is performed for the first time, in Wigmore Hall, London.
March 13, 1930:
Fantasia on Sussex Folk Tunes for cello and orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (57) is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London.
April 29, 1930:
A setting of the 100th Psalm for chorus and orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (57) is performed for the first time, in the Drill Hall, Dorking the composer conducting.
April 30, 1930:
Three Choral Hymns for baritone or tenor, chorus, and orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (57) to words of Coverdale are performed for the first time, in the Drill Hall, Dorking conducted by the composer.
May 1, 1930:
Three Children’s Songs for a Spring Festival for unison chorus, by Ralph Vaughan Williams (57) to words of Farrer, are performed for the first time, in the Drill Hall, Dorking.
May 2, 1930:
Benedicite for soprano, chorus, and orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (57) to words from the apocrypha and Austin, is performed for the first time, at Dorking Drill Hall the composer conducting.
June 19, 1930:
Benjamin Britten (16) takes the open scholarship exams at the Royal College of Music. His judges in the oral exam include Ralph Vaughan Williams (57) and John Ireland (50). He wins the competition.
June 22, 1930:
The University of Wales at Swansea awards an honorary DMus to Ralph Vaughan Williams (57).
September 12, 1930:
Prelude and Fugue in c minor for orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (57), arranged from his organ work, is performed for the first time, in Hereford Cathedral the composer conducting.
October 23, 1930:
A concert version of Job, a Masque for Dancing, a ballet by Ralph Vaughan Williams (58), is performed for the first time, in St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich. See 5 July 1931.
April 14, 1931:
In Windsor Forest, a cantata for chorus and orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (58) to words of Shakespeare, is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London.
July 5, 1931:
Job, A Masque for Dancing, by Ralph Vaughan Williams (58) to a scenario by Keynes and Raverat after Blake, is performed for the first time, in London. See 23 October 1930.
December 18, 1931:
Ralph Vaughan Williams (59) is awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws by University College, Liverpool.
September 8, 1932:
Magnificat for female chorus, flute, and orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (59) is performed for the first time, in Worcester Cathedral the composer conducting.
February 1, 1933:
Piano Concerto by Ralph Vaughan Williams (60) is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London.
January 6, 1934:
The Running Set for orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (61) is performed for the first time, in the Royal Albert Hall, London the composer conducting.
June 24, 1934:
The ashes of the earthly remains of Gustav Holst are interred in the north transept of Chichester Cathedral. Music of Weelkes (†310), Vaughan Williams, and Holst is conducted by his longtime friend, Ralph Vaughan Williams (61).
September 27, 1934:
Fantasia on Greensleeves for small orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (61) is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London under the baton of the composer.
November 12, 1934:
Suite for viola and small orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (62) is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London.
February 10, 1935:
The Pilgrim Pavement for soprano, chorus, and organ by Ralph Vaughan Williams (62) to words of Partridge is performed for the first time, in the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York.
April 10, 1935:
Symphony no.4 by Ralph Vaughan Williams (62) is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London.
May 17, 1935:
Ralph Vaughan Williams (62) receives a letter from Buckingham Palace asking if he will accept the Order of Merit. After considerable thought, he agrees.
June 3, 1935:
Among the birthday honors handed down by King George V is an Order of Merit for Ralph Vaughan Williams (62) and a knighthood for Ernest MacMillan (41).
July 17, 1935:
Flourish of Trumpets for a Folk Dance Festival by Ralph Vaughan Williams (62) is performed for the first time, in Royal Albert Hall, London.
January 26, 1936:
Nothing is Here for Tears for chorus and piano by Ralph Vaughan Williams (63) to words of Milton, is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of the BBC originating in London.
May 12, 1936:
Ralph Vaughan Williams’ (63) romantic extravaganza The Poisoned Kiss, to words of Sharp after Garnett, is performed for the first time, in Cambridge.
September 8, 1936:
Two hymn-tune preludes for small orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (63) are performed for the first time, in Hereford Cathedral the composer conducting.
September 25, 1936:
Two new works by British composers for voices and orchestra are performed for the first time, in St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich: Five Tudor Portraits for alto, baritone, chorus, and orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (63) to words of Skelton, and Our Hunting Fathers op.8, a cycle for voice and orchestra by Benjamin Britten (22) to words of Auden and Ravenscroft. Britten conducts his work.
October 2, 1936:
Dona nobis pacem, a cantata for soprano, baritone, chorus, and orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (63) to words of Whitman and others, is performed for the first time, in Huddersfield Town Hall.
January 9, 1937:
Ralph Vaughan Williams’ (64) orchestral work Music for English Folk Dance Society Masque is performed for the first time, in the Royal Albert Hall, London.
March 6, 1937:
Queen Mary opens the Holst (†2) Room at Morley College in London. Money for the project was raised mostly through the influence of Ralph Vaughan Williams (64).
April 1, 1937:
Flourish for a Coronation for chorus and orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (64) to words of various authors is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London. On the same program, Frederick Delius’ (†2) orchestra suite Florida (omitting no.2) is performed publicly for the first time. The work was performed privately in 1888.
May 12, 1937:
Festival Te Deum by Ralph Vaughan Williams (64) is performed for the first time, in the Abbey Church of St. Peter, Westminster. This performance marks the end of the coronation festivities of George VI. These are the first British coronation festivities to be broadcast by means of radio.
December 1, 1937:
Riders to the Sea, an opera by Ralph Vaughan Williams (65) to his own words, after Synge, is performed for the first time, at the Royal College of Music, London.
June 15, 1938:
Ralph Vaughan Williams (65) receives the Shakespeare Prize presented by the University of Hamburg. By next year, Vaughan Williams’ music will be banned in Germany.
July 9, 1938:
England’s Pleasant Land, music for a pageant for chorus and band by Ralph Vaughan Williams (65), is performed for the first time, in Milton Court, Westcott, Surrey. Vaughan Williams is one of several composers contributing to the pageant.
October 5, 1938:
Serenade to Music for 16 vocal soloists and orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (65) to words of Shakespeare, is performed for the first time, in the Royal Albert Hall, London.
January 21, 1939:
Double Trio for strings by Ralph Vaughan Williams (66) is performed for the first time, in Wigmore Hall, London. See 20 March 1938.
April 1, 1939:
Flourish for Wind Band by Ralph Vaughan Williams (66) is performed for the first time, in Royal Albert Hall, London.
June 10, 1939:
Five Variants on Dives and Lazarus for orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (66), is performed for the first time, in Carnegie Hall, New York.
December 20, 1940:
Six Choral Songs to be Sung in Time of War for unison chorus and piano by Ralph Vaughan Williams (68) to words of Shelley, are performed for the first time, over the airwaves of the BBC.
October 4, 1941:
Household Music for string quartet by Ralph Vaughan Williams (68) is performed for the first time, in Wigmore Hall, London.
October 8, 1941:
49th Parallel, a film with music by Ralph Vaughan Williams (68), is shown for the first time, in the Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London.
November 16, 1941:
England, My England, a choral song by Ralph Vaughan Williams (69) to words of Henley, is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of the BBC.
June 29, 1942:
Valiant for Truth, a motet for chorus and organ ad lib by Ralph Vaughan Williams (69) to words of Bunyan, is performed for the first time, in St. Michael’s Church, Cornhill, London.
September 17, 1942:
A suite from music for the film Coastal Command by Ralph Vaughan Williams (69) is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of the BBC originating in Manchester. See 16 October 1942.
October 16, 1942:
Coastal Command, a film with music by Ralph Vaughan Williams (70), is shown for the first time, in the Plaza Cinema, Picadilly Circus, London. See 17 September 1942.
March 17, 1943:
The People’s Land, a film with music by Ralph Vaughan Williams (70) is shown for the first time, privately, at the British Ministry of Information.
June 24, 1943:
Symphony no.5 by Ralph Vaughan Williams (70) is performed for the first time, at the Royal Albert Hall, London under the baton of the composer.
August 12, 1943:
Flemish Farm, a film with music by Ralph Vaughan Williams (70), is shown for the first time, in the Leicester Square Theatre, London. See 31 July 1945.
September 5, 1943:
Incidental music to a radio play after Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress by Ralph Vaughan Williams (70) is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of the BBC.
September 30, 1944:
Concerto for oboe and strings by Ralph Vaughan Williams (71) is performed for the first time, in Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.
October 12, 1944:
String Quartet in a minor by Ralph Vaughan Williams is performed for the first time, in the National Gallery, London on the composer’s 72nd birthday.
November 5, 1944:
A Song of Thanksgiving for soprano, speaker, chorus, and orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (72) is performed for the first time, in a recording session at the BBC’s London studio. The work is to be broadcast at the conclusion of the European war. See 13 May 1945.
May 13, 1945:
A Song of Thanksgiving for soprano, speaker, chorus, and orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (72), recorded 5 November 1944, is broadcast over the airwaves of the BBC.
June 7, 1945:
Peter Grimes, an opera by Benjamin Britten (31) to words of Slater after Crabbe, is performed for the first time, at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London. Present are Ralph Vaughan Williams (72), William Walton (43), and Michael Tippett (40). The audience and the press are enraptured and the artists receive multiple curtain calls. It quickly becomes one of the most performed operas written in the 20th century.
July 31, 1945:
An orchestral suite from music for the film The Story of a Flemish Farm by Ralph Vaughan Williams (72) is performed for the first time, in the Royal Albert Hall, London the composer conducting.
October 14, 1945:
Chant for Psalm 67, Deus misereatur by Ralph Vaughan Williams (73) is performed for the first time, in St. Martin’s Church, Dorking.
March 23, 1946:
Introduction and Fugue for two pianos by Ralph Vaughan Williams (73) is performed for the first time, at Wigmore Hall, London.
January 16, 1947:
The Loves of Joanna Godden, a film with music by Ralph Vaughan Williams (74), is shown for the first time, in London.
July 10, 1947:
The Souls of the Righteous, a motet for three solo voices and chorus by Ralph Vaughan Williams (74) to words from the Bible, is performed for the first time, in Westminster Abbey.
November 22, 1947:
The Voice Out of the Whirlwind for chorus and organ or orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (75) to words from the Bible, is performed for the first time, in St. Sepulchre, Holborn.
March 20, 1948:
Partita for double string orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (75) is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of the BBC. The work is a revision of his Double Trio. See 21 January 1939.
April 21, 1948:
Symphony no.6 by Ralph Vaughan Williams (75) is performed for the first time, in the Royal Albert Hall, London.
May 12, 1948:
Prayer to the Father of Heaven for chorus by Ralph Vaughan Williams (75) to words of Skelton is performed for the first time, in the Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford.
November 29, 1948:
Scott of the Antarctic, a film with music by Ralph Vaughan Williams (76), is shown for the first time, in the Empire Theatre, Leicester Square, London.
November 20, 1949:
Two works by Ralph Vaughan Williams (77) are performed for the first time, privately at the White Gates, Dorking: An Oxford Elegy for speaker, small chorus, and small orchestra to words of Arnold and Fantasia on the “Old 104th” Pslam Tune for piano, chorus, and orchestra to words from the Bible. See 6 September 1950 and 19 June 1952.
June 15, 1950:
Folksongs of the Four Seasons, a cantata for female chorus and orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (77), is performed for the first time, in Royal Albert Hall, London.
June 23, 1950:
Bitter Springs, a film with music by Ralph Vaughan Williams (77), is shown for the first time, in Adelaide, South Australia.
July 12, 1950:
Solemn Music for the Masque of Charterhouse for winds and percussion by Ralph Vaughan Williams (77) is performed for the first time, in Founder’s Court, Charterhouse School, Godalming.
September 6, 1950:
Fantasia on the Old 104th for piano, chorus, and orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (77) to words from the Bible, is performed publicly for the first time, in Gloucester Cathedral under the baton of the composer. See 20 November 1949.
November 18, 1950:
Concerto Grosso by Ralph Vaughan Williams (78) is performed for the first time, in London.
January 7, 1951:
The first of ten weekly episodes of the radio play after Hardy The Mayor of Casterbridge with music by Ralph Vaughan Williams (78), is heard over the airwaves of the BBC Home Service.
March 19, 1951:
Flourish for Three Trumpets by Ralph Vaughan Williams (78) is performed for the first time, in Stafford.
April 26, 1951:
The Pilgrim’s Progress, a morality play by Ralph Vaughan Williams (78) to his own words after Bunyan, the Bible, and Wood, is performed for the first time, at Covent Garden. The audience is enthralled, the critics mixed.
May 6, 1951:
The Sons of Light, a cantata by Ralph Vaughan Williams (78) to words of Wood, is performed for the first time, in Royal Albert Hall, London.
May 10, 1951:
A Cotswold Romance, a cantata drawn from music to Hugh the Drover by Ralph Vaughan Williams (78), is performed for the first time, in London. See 4 July 1924.
June 23, 1951:
Three Shakespeare Songs for chorus by Ralph Vaughan Williams (78) is performed for the first time, in Royal Festival Hall, London.
December 14, 1951:
The first honorary DMus granted by Bristol University is conferred on Ralph Vaughan Williams (79) by its Chancellor, Winston Churchill.
May 3, 1952:
Romance in Db for harmonica, strings, and piano by Ralph Vaughan Williams (79) is performed for the first time, in Town Hall, New York.
June 19, 1952:
An Oxford Elegy for speaker, small chorus, and small orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (79) to words of Arnold, is performed publicly for the first time, at Queen’s College, Oxford. See 20 November 1949.
November 18, 1952:
Prelude on an Old Carol Tune for orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (80) is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of the BBC.
January 14, 1953:
Symphony no.7 “Sinfonia antarctica” by Ralph Vaughan Williams (80) is performed for the first time, at the Free Trade Hall, Manchester.
February 7, 1953:
Ralph Vaughan Williams (80) marries Ursula Wood in a London registry office. She is a 31-year-old war widow with whom he has collaborated. It is his second marriage.
June 1, 1953:
Four works for chorus by British composers are performed for the first time, in Royal Festival Hall, London, as part of the celebrations for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II: Silence and Music by Ralph Vaughan Williams (80) to words of his wife Ursula Vaughan Williams, What is it Like to be Young and Fair by Arnold Bax (69) to words of Clifford Bax, The Hills by John Ireland (73) to words of Kirkup, and Michael Tippett’s (48) madrigal Dance, Clarion Air to words of Fry.
June 2, 1953:
Five new works by British composers are performed during the coronation ceremonies of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Abbey: Coronation Te Deum for chorus, orchestra, and organ, and Orb and Sceptre Coronation March for orchestra, both by William Walton (51); Coronation March for orchestra by Arnold Bax (69); The Old Hundredth Psalm Tune for chorus, unison chorus, orchestra, and organ and O Taste and See, a motet for chorus and organ to words of the Bible, both by Ralph Vaughan Williams (80). It is the first British coronation to be televised. See 18 March 1953.
June 5, 1953:
The Bridal Day, a masque by Ralph Vaughan Williams (80) to words of Wood after Spenser is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of BBC television. The work was composed in 1938-1939 but performance was precluded by the onset of the war.
June 8, 1953:
Gloriana op.53, an opera by Benjamin Britten (39) to words of Plomer after Strachey, is performed for the first time, at Covent Garden before Queen Elizabeth and other members of the royal family, knights, ministers, and foreign dignitaries. The Earl of Harewood calls it “one of the great disasters of operatic history.” Before the performance, William Walton’s (51) arrangement of God Save the Queen is performed for the first time. Walton is present, along with Ralph Vaughan Williams (80) and Arnold Bax (69).
June 13, 1954:
Tuba Concerto by Ralph Vaughan Williams (81) is performed for the first time, in Royal Festival Hall, London to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the London Symphony Orchestra.
September 8, 1954:
Hodie, a cantata for soprano, tenor, baritone, boys’ chorus, chorus, optional organ, and orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (81) to words from various sources, is performed for the first time, in Worcester Cathedral, directed by the composer.
October 12, 1954:
Violin Sonata in a minor by Ralph Vaughan Williams is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of the BBC Home Service, on the composer’s 82nd birthday.
November 14, 1954:
Menelaus on the Beach at Pharos for voice and piano by Ralph Vaughan Williams (82) to words of his wife Ursula Vaughan Williams, is performed for the first time, at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
November 25, 1954:
Heart’s Music for chorus by Ralph Vaughan Williams (82) to words of Campion is performed for the first time, in the Church of St. Sepulchre, Holborn, London.
March 11, 1955:
Sun, Moon, Stars and Man for unison chorus and strings by Ralph Vaughan Williams (82) to words of Wood, is performed for the first time, in Town Hall, Birmingham.
March 12, 1955:
Prelude on Three Welsh Hymn Tunes for brass band by Ralph Vaughan Williams (82) is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of the BBC.
April 15, 1955:
Song for a Spring Festival for chorus by Ralph Vaughan Williams (82) to words of his wife, Ursula Vaughan Williams, is performed for the first time, in Dorking Halls, Dorking the composer conducting.
October 15, 1955:
An Arnold Bax (†2) memorial room is opened at Cork University by Ralph Vaughan Williams (83). It houses a number of effects donated by Harriet Cohen.
May 2, 1956:
Symphony no.8 by Ralph Vaughan Williams (83) is performed for the first time, in Free Trade Hall, Manchester.
June 4, 1956:
A Vision of Aeroplanes, a motet for chorus and organ by Ralph Vaughan Williams (83) to words from the Bible, is performed for the first time, at St. Michael’s, Cornhill, London.
November 3, 1956:
A Choral Flourish for chorus and organ by Ralph Vaughan Williams (84) to words from the Bible, is performed for the first time, in Royal Festival Hall, London.
December 21, 1956:
Hands, Eyes, and Heart for voice and piano by Ralph Vaughan Williams (84) to the words of his wife Ursula Vaughan Williams, is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of the New Zealand Broadcasting Company, originating in Christchurch.
September 30, 1957:
Epithalamion, a cantata for baritone, chorus, and orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (84) to words of Spenser, is performed for the first time, in Royal Festival Hall, London.
October 16, 1957:
Flourish for Glorious John for orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (85) is performed for the first time, in the Manchester Free Trade Hall, conducted by its dedicatee, John Barbirolli.
October 26, 1957:
Variations for brass band by Ralph Vaughan Williams (85) is performed for the first time, in Royal Albert Hall, London.
April 2, 1958:
Symphony no.9 by Ralph Vaughan Williams (85) is performed for the first time, in Royal Festival Hall, London.
August 26, 1958:
Ralph Vaughan Williams dies at his home at 10 Hanover Terrace, Regent's Park, Westminster, London, United Kingdom, aged 85 years, ten months, and 14 days.
September 19, 1958:
The ashes of the earthly remains of Ralph Vaughan Williams are interred in the north choir aisle of Westminster Abbey near the remains of Henry Purcell (†262) and Charles Villiers Stanford (†32), before a large assembly.
October 8, 1958:
Ten Blake Songs for solo voice and oboe by Ralph Vaughan Williams (†0) are performed for the first time, over the airwaves of the BBC. The music was composed to accompany the film The Vision of William Blake which is first shown publicly on 10 October 1958 in the Academy Cinema, London.
October 8, 1958:
Three Vocalises for soprano and clarinet by Ralph Vaughan Williams (†0) are performed for the first time, in Free Trade Hall, Manchester.
December 19, 1958:
The First Nowell for solo voices, chorus, and small orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (†0), completed by Douglas, to words of Pakenham, is performed for the first time, at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London.
November 27, 1959:
The first of the Four Last Songs for voice and piano by Ralph Vaughan Williams (†1) to words of his wife Ursula Vaughan Williams, are performed for the first time, in London. See 3 August 1960.
August 3, 1960:
The first complete performance of the Four Last Songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams (†1) to words of his wife Ursula Vaughan Williams, is heard over the airwaves of the BBC Home Service. See 27 November 1959.
April 9, 1962:
Suite de Ballet for flute and piano by Ralph Vaughan Williams (†3) is performed publicly for the first time, over the airwaves of the BBC Home Service. See 20 March 1920.
November 16, 1964:
The Robin’s Nest, a four-bar composition for piano by Ralph Vaughan Williams (†6), is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of BBC North of England Home Service, 86 years after it was composed.
October 3, 1979:
Henry V, an overture for brass band by Ralph Vaughan Williams (†21), is performed for the first time, at the University of Miami, 66 years after it was composed.