Vaughan Williams: Pride of Britain

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. Vaughan Williams was born in a village situated in the English county of Gloucestershire. His father, who died early on in Ralph's life, was the vicar of the village and therefore religion seemingly played an important part in his musical career. Complete the name of this Christmas carol which in the UK is melodiously uttered to the tune of "Forest Green","O Little Town of ___". Haifa Bethlehem Tel Aviv-Jaffa Beersheba

2. Many of Vaughan Williams' compositions have a very earthy, rural sound elaborately embellished with faunal elements. At the age of 30 Ralph Vaughan Williams published his first such composition. What was the name of this 1901 vocal song with words from the poet, William Barnes? Linden Lea Songs of Travel On Wenlock Edge The House of Life

3. After educational reforms of the Victorian era, the literacy rate in Britain was ever improving. This however had an adverse effect on a particular and distinctive genre of music. Vaughan Williams had, from the early 20th century, a particular liking for this musical tradition and did everything he could to protect and sustain it such as incorporating the style into his own compositions. What was the genre in question? Baroque Folk Romanticism Opera

4. Vaughan Williams first dabbled in incidental music in 1909. His composition accompanied a reenactment of a play by the Greek dramatist Aristophanes. What was the name of the composition which is also the name of the aforementioned play? The Ladybirds The Wasps The Moths The Butterflies

5. At times the compositions of the great Ralph Vaughan Williams had essences of regality and this is most clearly evident in one of his fantasias. Which of his royal sounding fantasias was inspired by the 16th century composition,"Third Mode Melody"? Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis Fantasia on the Old 104th Psalm Tune Fantasia on Greensleeves Fantasia para un Gentilhombre

6. An interesting topic in the classical music world is the origins of a certain composition. Many people have attributed this tune to Henry VIII, though others say that is highly unlikely. However, Ralph Vaughan Williams composed a rather short fantasia based on this well-known piece of music. What is it called? Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis Fantasia on Greensleeves Fantasia on the Old 104th Psalm Tune Fantasia para un Gentilhombre

7. During his musical career, Ralph Vaughan Williams composed nine symphonies. These include the "Sinfonia Antartica", " A Pastoral Symphony" and "A Sea Symphony". However, what was the name given to his second such piece of music? A Paris Symphony A London Symphony A Dublin Symphony A Berlin Symphony

8. After WWI there was a marked difference in the style of some of the compositions by Ralph Vaughan Williams. One such piece was negatively received by his good friend and confidant, Gustav Holst. What was the name of this piece which is in Latin called,"Flower of the Field"? Linden Lea Flos Campi Toccata Marziale Miserere Mei, Deus

9. A particularly famous and well liked hymn known as "For All the Saints" is traditionally heard on All Saints' Sunday. After the publication of the "English Hymnal" in 1906, a tune composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams was used to accompany the original lyrics. What Latin name did Vaughan Williams give to this piece? Miserere Mei, Deus Sine Nomine Lacrymosa Cogito Ergo Sum

10. This particular composition by Ralph Vaughan Williams is perhaps his best known and certainly one of his most highly praised. What is the name of the work which musically depicts the flight of the archetypal bird of dawn into the crisp morning countryside sky? The Dove Ascending The Robin Ascending The Wren Ascending The Lark Ascending