John Raynor, a British composer, made a precarious living as a parish organist, short story writer, and book reviewer, yet composed an astonishing 680 songs.
Performer Biography
Penelope Thwaites, the pianist on this album, is an internationally recognized concert pianist, composer, broadcaster, and editor, particularly known for her promotion of Percy Grainger's music.
Compositional Technique
All songs on this album are influenced by the central modality intrinsic to folk song, which gives Vaughan Williams's music an instantly recognizable sound.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The album's concept, 'Vaughan Williams and Friends', focuses on the central influence of folk music on both Vaughan Williams and his contemporary, Percy Grainger.
Composer Biography
Percy Grainger, an Australian composer, spoke often of the individual folk singers who shared their tunes with him, describing them as 'kings and queens of song'.
Recording & Production
Albion Records, the recording label for this album, is associated with The Ralph Vaughan Williams Society and has released over 300 world premieres, mostly of works by Vaughan Williams.
Composer Biography
Peggy Glanville-Hicks, an Australian composer, studied composition with Vaughan Williams at the Royal College of Music and later with Nadia Boulanger.
