Explore the work and life of Ralph Vaughan Williams in more detail
Extended information about the life and works of the composer on Wikipedia.
Worldwide contact details for RVW’s different publishers. Each publisher will handle copyright questions about their own titles including the distribution and sale of sheet music; hire of materials for performance; and licencing of music for recording, copying, stage performance or synchronisation.
A database of RVW’s copious correspondence – free to access and fully searchable – paints an intriguing musical, personal and political portrait of the man.
RVW’s second wife was a poet, a writer, biographer and a vital support to the composer in the years leading to his death. Thereafter she tended his legacy, for example by ensuring that most of his manuscripts are preserved in the British Library. Her generosity in setting up the Vaughan Williams Charitable Trust paved the way for the creation of the Vaughan Williams Foundation.
Leith Hill Place in Surrey was the childhood home of RVW, who gave it to the National Trust in 1944. In the study you’ll find the little piano which he used to write compositions including The Lark Ascending. The house has now reopened to the public after a year of conservation work.
The BL houses an extensive collection of manuscripts, letters and articles about RVW. Although the online collection is not currently available following a cyber attack, the library is open to readers.
A wide selection of photographs free to use for editorial purpose online and print.
The Music Teacher’s Association has resources for the teaching of various aspects of RVW’s work available completely free of charge to all schools and organisations running education projects. Resources span Early Years Foundation Stage through to Key Stage 5.
Ralph Vaughan Williams Society
RVWS is an active membership society dedicated to learning about the life and music of RVW. Their website has many useful resources including a detailed discography. The Society also has a standalone website Finding Vaughan Williams providing signposting to organisations and services holding information, archival material and exhibits about RVW.
Vaughan Williams Memorial Library
The Vaughan Williams Memorial Library (VWML) is England’s national folk music and dance archive, an essential resource, free to access, for anybody interested in the folk arts. The English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) is the library’s custodian. The Library is housed at the Society’s HQ, Cecil Sharp House.
Caroline Davison follows RVW on the first year of his listening journey into folksong.
Ceri Owen assesses the composer’s relevance today.
Simon Wright explores the role of the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams in selecting and arranging the music for The English Hymnal
An exploration of RVW’s vocal music with contributions from distinguished musicians.
2022-3 celebrated the 150th anniversary of the composer’s birth with a vast range of performances, projects and events that widen the composer’s legacy.
