Context

Symphony no.5, III: Romanza by Ralph Vaughan Williams

Vaughan Williams was a British composer who often used English folk tunes and modes in his music.  His Fifth Symphony was completed during World War II when Vaughan Williams was 70 years old.  He dedicated the work to Jean Sibelius.

Sibelius wrote:

“I heard Dr. Ralph Vaughan Williams’ new Symphony in Stockholm under the excellent leadership of Malcolm Sargent …This Symphony is a marvellous work … the dedication made me feel proud and grateful…”

Romanza from Symphony no. 5 by Vaughan Williams

Listen For…

  • The opening is scored for sixteen string parts giving a rich orchestral texture.
  • They are marked ‘con sordini’ (with mute). This gives a soft, gentle timbre (tone colour).
  • The solo woodwind instrument at 00:28 is the cor anglais, a double reed instrument related to the oboe.
  • At 01:55 the flute enters with oboe following, and their melodies interweave before the clarinet and cor anglais enter with a similar musical interaction.

As the music continues, the mood changes considerably. Can you identify how Vaughan Williams creates this change in the music?

Questions To Consider

If you were writing a piece for string orchestra, how could you explore the different timbres and effects that strings can offer?

Try creating a dramatic contrast in mood in your composition – can you bring an element of surprise to your listener?