One of the leading English composers of his generation, Ralph Vaughan Williams was a pupil of Parry, Charles Wood and Stanford, and later of Bruch and Ravel.

His highly personal musical idiom is derived from his great interest in English folk-song and dance and his love of Tudor music.

In 1904 he became active in the Folk Song Society and edited "The English Hymnal".

He was a teacher at the Royal College of Music and a conductor.

Vaughan Williams’ works include nine symphonies, notably No.1 A Sea Symphony with chorus, No.2 A London Symphony, No. 3 A Pastoral Symphony and No.7 Sinfonia Antartica, based on his music for the film "Scott of the Antartic".

Some of his other popular works include "The Lark Ascending" for violin and orchestra, "Sir John in Love" and "Flourish for a Coronation".

MIDI FILE - Fantasia Tallis (14'15'')