The story of Ralph Vaughan Williams & English folk song concludes. The composer re-visits The Captain's Apprentice after disaster strikes the Norfolk coast in the shape of 1953's catastrophic flood. Poppy Miller reads

Following in the footsteps of Ralph Vaughan Williams, Caroline Davison explores the influence of folk song and the Fens on the composer, in the 150th anniversary of his birth. The reader is Poppy Miller.

Ralph Vaughan Williams was a keen collector of folk songs, and committed to saving these indigenous tunes before they could be forgotten. In 1905 he was in King's Lynn where James 'Duggie' Carter sang 'The Captain's Apprentice'. The tune was beautiful and the melody, harmony and feeling went on to shape Vaughan Williams' future composition. Yet, in stark contrast, the lyrics of this song told a tale of brutal torture at sea. Alongside the story of Ralph Vaughan Williams' passion for folk song and the Fens, Caroline Davison delves into the plight of cabin boys on the high seas who were at the mercy of unscrupulous sea captains. Folk songs are not the only the theme examined in this account, we also discover how the landscape of the Fens inspired Vaughan Williams work, and there are glimpses into the composer's personal life, and the times in which he lived.

Caroline Davison has published a novel and a children's book, and was a conservationist in the heritage sector for thirty years. She also performs music and is a singer.

Abridged by Katrin Williams
Produced by Elizabeth Allard Show less