Every weekday at 10 a.m., the hosts at Classical MPR play a standout work based on the theme for the week. We call these works Morning Glories.
This week brings the birthday of English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958). Writing in a distinctive voice over a long career, he created music that responded to England's musical heritage, and to the changing world around him. We'll hear five examples of his many-faceted output this week on Morning Glories.
Monday
The Wasps: Incidental Music
In Aristophanes' comedy, the "wasps" are actually swarms of old men on jury duty — which doesn't keep Vaughan Williams from writing buzzing sounds into his accompanying score.
Tuesday
Symphony No. 3 (Pastoral Symphony)
This symphony grew out of World War I — its "pastoral" sounds forming a reflective contrast to wartime scenes of violence and disruption.
Wednesday
Coastal Command (film music)
Vaughan Williams wrote music for a fair number of films, including this WWII documentary, now remembered mostly for its soundtrack.
Thursday
Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis
Perhaps the composer's best-loved work, the fantasia, based on a hymn-tune by Elizabethan composer Thomas Tallis, makes use of the rich sonorities of a string ensemble.
Friday
Toward the Unknown Region
Singers have good reason to feel grateful to Vaughan Williams — his vocal music includes opera, song, and sacred and secular choral music, such as this exultant setting of Walt Whitman.
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