Vaughan Williams himself played the viola, and the instrument plays a prominent role in both the Phantasy Quintet and the Second String Quartet.
Composer's Artistic Vision
English folksong was crucial to Vaughan Williams's personal musical style, and he incorporated them into many works, including operas and hymn collections.
Composition History
The Phantasy Quintet was commissioned by Walter Wilson Cobbett, a businessman and amateur musician who championed the instrumental 'fantasy' form.
Performer Biography
The Nash Ensemble has commissioned over 118 new works and received two Royal Philharmonic Society awards for its artistic excellence and wide range of music.
Compositional Technique
In the String Quartet No 2, the viola is central, beginning each movement, ending two, and leading the introduction and development of thematic material.
Composition History
The String Quartet No 2 was inspired by Vaughan Williams's friendship with violist Jean Stewart, one of his "honorary nieces," and was dedicated to her.
Compositional Technique
Vaughan Williams's Phantasy Quintet adds a second viola to the standard string quartet, and its four movements are played without pause (attacca).
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