R.V.W.: A Biography of Ralph Vaughan Williams

by Ursula Vaughan Williams

Composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, a man of strong character and unflagging energy, was for sixty years at the center of musical events in England. Utilizing source materials only recently available, this biography, written by Williams's widow, presents a detailed, fascinating account of his career.

Genres: Music, Biography

464 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1965

About the author

Joan Ursula Penton Vaughan Williams (née Lock, formerly Wood) (5 March 1911 – 23 October 2007) was an English poet and author, and biographer of her second husband, the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Reviews

[Cliff · Rating 2 out of 5]

No one will claim this is a good book. It reads as a list of concerts given and parties attended, but you're not reading this if you're looking for a good book. If you want to know what RVW was up to this is your book (but not if you want to know his inner life). 5/5 would recommend to any serious fan.

[F.M. Isaacs · Rating 3 out of 5]

RVW holds a place deep in my heart. When I discovered his symphonies, the very evocative music inspired many scenes in the books I've authored. So I really wanted to hear what was behind his music - why did he write it, what was he feeling and thinking when he did? This book, written by his second wife, didn't really answer my questions. The beginning was interesting as it delved into his childhood somewhat, but as it wore on, I found myself skimming parts, which I rarely do in a book. Much of the rest of the writing is a laundry-list of concerts and such; there was very little delving into the actual music. There were some fun things here and there, like he studied with Ravel, another of my favorite composers, and his great-uncle was Charles Darwin, but I would not put this work at the top of my favorites list.

[Hope · Rating 2 out of 5]

lots of letters. Not bad reading, but tedious. Lots of unnecessary details by his second wife. But you get a good sense of the man.