Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958), a towering figure in 20th-century English classical music, emerges as a composer, conductor, and musicologist. Born into a distinguished family, Vaughan Williams studied at the Royal College of Music and later with Maurice Ravel in Paris. His contributions span orchestral, choral, and operatic genres, reflecting a deep connection to English folk traditions and a commitment to innovation within the musical landscape.
Among Vaughan Williams’s extensive oeuvre, “Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge” is a poignant choral work that showcases his distinct musical language. Composed in 1921, the piece encapsulates Vaughan Williams’s ability to merge tradition with modernity. Drawing inspiration from Psalm 90, the choral setting evokes a sense of introspection and solace.
Note the use of the hymn tune ‘O God our help in ages past’, which is a hymn setting of the same text made to rhyme. The tune returns at the triumphant end in the solo trumpet.
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