Donald Macleod and Ceri Owen discuss Vaughan Williams' early development, following a trajectory which shows the emerging composer drawing on a wide range of influences

In the week of the 150th anniversary of Vaughan Williams' birth, Donald Macleod revisits a series of conversations he recorded earlier in the year with leading authorities on the composer. Each day he explores a new area of Vaughan Williams' life and music; shedding light on his central role in Britain's musical story, his posthumous impact and how we respond to him today. Part of Radio 3’s ongoing season, “Vaughan Williams’ Today”, marking the composer's 150th anniversary year.

Today, the academic, writer and pianist Ceri Owen joins Donald in a discussion about Vaughan Williams' early preoccupations. Together they follow a trajectory of development which shows the emerging composer drawing on a surprisingly wide range of national and international influences.

Linden Lea
Bryn Terfel, baritone
Malcolm Martineau, piano

Serenade in A minor
IV: Romance
Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Martin Yates, conductor

Harnham Down
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
Paul Daniel, conductor

On Wenlock Edge
Oh, when I was in love with you
Bredon Hill
Mark Padmore, tenor
Britten Sinfonia
Huw Watkins, piano

The Seeds of Love, arr. Vaughan Williams
Mary Bevan, soprano
William Vann, piano
Jack Liebeck, violin

A Sea Symphony
II. On the Beach at Night Alone (Largo sostenuto)
Roderick Williams, baritone
Hallé Choir
Hallé Youth Choir
Schola Cantorum
Ad solem
Hallé Orchestra
Mark Elder, conductor

Producer Johannah Smith Show less