Ralph Vaughan Williams was an English composer who had composed many symphonies, chamber music, opera, choral music and film scores. He was greatly influenced by the fascinating world of folk music and carols, which are quite evident in the “English Hymnal”, a work in which he was involved as a musical editor. Encouraged by this experience, Vaughan Williams incorporated this style into many of his compositions. He was not just a composer; he was a teacher, lecturer and was the earliest composers to collect folk music. Throughout his life, he mentored many young composers and conductors and had a proud array of students that included famous composers like Ina Boyle. His works were thought-provoking and high in quality. He encouraged everyone to make their own music and believed that it is far better to compose one’s own music however simple it is, rather than performing on another person’s music. He always had a deep regard for all the traditional and classical works and believed that they can transport the listener to a completely different world. Read on to learn more on the life and career of this famous composer.