Scottish, Catholic composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of three very different composers. In this programme, he explores Vaughan Williams’ complex faith life as someone who lived through both World Wars and witnessed close up great suffering and destruction.

Over the centuries, composers have created musical masterpieces that many listeners have come to regard as spiritual touchstones. For example, Mozart’s Requiem, Mahler’s 2nd Symphony, Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis. But what did these composers actually believe about God, faith, judgement, an afterlife and redemption? And do we need to share these beliefs in any way in order to have a spiritual experience as listeners to their music? Answers to these questions are complex, fascinating and challenging.

The son of a Gloucestershire vicar, Vaughan Williams was once described as a Christian Agnostic. He spent the First World War in the Ambulance Corps, picking up bits of bodies blown apart in the trenches. During the Second World War, he cleaned public lavatories and became a rag-and-bone man. Much of his music is a cry of horror at the human condition and yet he was constantly drawn back to the Anglican liturgy, Latin Mass, Bible, Pilgrim's Progress and old hymn tunes.

James talks with scholars and musicologists Em Marshall-Luck, Stephen Johnson and conductor Sir Andrew Davis about Vaughan Williams’ religious upbringing and the experiences of his life which were reflected in his attitude towards faith and religion.

Produced by Rosie Boulton
A Must Try Softer production for BBC Radio 4

Vaughan Williams Music included in this programme:

Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis

Come Down O Love Divine

1st Movement of 6th Symphony

Love Bade Me Welcome from Five Mystical Songs

Valiant for Truth

Last Movement of 9th Symphony Show less