Ralph Vaughan Williams : In the Fen Country. Photographs.

[@helenalldridge1145]

Dark, wet rainy evening in England, cottage pie & veg for tea washed down with a glass of red wine listening to the glory of RVW. Perfection. Love to all you lovely people. Look after animals and your loved ones. Xxxxx

[@rarebreedewe]

Wonderful thankyou! Xx

[@robindale9352]

I hope your cottage pie is meat free.....

[@peterwalsh8896]

Sounds like heaven on earth.

[@garethifan1034]

@@robindale9352 I sincerely hope not....

[@jurgenr.4062]

Good old Ralph Vaughan Williams. His music is a well of comfort in these times.

[@sidpheasant7585]

He was an agnostic about God, but God saw the good he was doing (not least with hymns, carols and psalms, as well as "British" music) and helped him anyway, sending the inspiring and saving Holy Spirit. RVW volunteered to fight for his country in the Second World, though he was too old to need to do so, and worked on the field ambulances, before transferring to the artillery, where the gunfire damaged his ears! He died aged 85 on August 26th 1958, having not been ill at all. That day was the Feast of Saint Teresa of Jesus, the Patron Saint of elderly people! Although RVW was in some sense unfaithful to his first wife - with a younger (but also married) woman through love at first sight, he remained devoted to the first, and had a sort of triangular arrangement in which Ursula, who was his lover (perhaps unbenknownst to wife Adeline) doubled as Adeline's close friend, who also helped the composer to nurse Adeline as she ailed and then died in 1951. RVW's mother was related to the famous Wedgwood family and to Charles Darwin, so his mother was able to tell the young Ralph that: "The Bible says that God made the world in six days. Great Uncle Charles thinks it took longer: but we need not worry about it, for it is equally wonderful either way". This was probably the composer's approach throughout a life in which the non-believer continued to read the Authorised Version of The Bible avidly. It indeed seems hard not to conclude that this was a great man ... but also a good one.

[@robertsmith5970]

As a boy my bed ridden 100 year old great Granny would talk of her childhood in a Cambridgeshire Fenland village, the woad that was grown and skating to Wisbech on the frozen water in the field drains the magnificent skyscapes seen there and her much loved only brother out of ten plus girls who was killed in WW1. Glad to find this and think of her. She'd be 135 now!!

[@bearlincs]

Similar here. The music is highly evocative of that landscape, and makes me think my maternal grandfather as he was something of a Fens skater in his youth(born 1881) on the rivers, drains, and any flooded areas in winter around Boston. Other seasons he was fishing for pike and eel. Sadly, I never met him as he died before I was born. My mother told me of him and his life.

[@tomcat4841]

I guess Joni Mitchell had it right then: "I wish I had a river to skate away on."

[@isaacanwarwatts8844]

It must've been amazing to know someone from the 19th century, from my perspective :)

[@SpiritualySpeaking1]

Nice that you have sweet memories of your granny and this magnificent landscape and music.

[@richcurtis813]

A shame we have given away our land so cheaply. I'm only 52, but long for the days of my childhood. I was lucky enough to remember how England was, and to have both sets of great grandparents alive until I was 10. The tales I heard, the sights I saw, are all brought to life with music like this. Sadly, it's the lament of a dying nation. We were never asked. My grandchildren will never know the true England I was lucky enough to glimpse.

[@robclark4626]

I am lucky living in a very beautiful rural part of England. I walk for many miles in the tranquil countryside, looking at the land and sky, the dear little villages and nature in all its beauty, whatever the time of year. And while I walk I think of RVW's music and it gives me goosebumps. It lifts me and makes me realise how wonderful life is.

[@freedomisslavery6840]

Enjoy it whilst you can. The Tories are hellbent on turning rural England into a concrete jungle with housing developments in every field and shire.

[@alanchadwick373]

And don't forget, the english people are forecasted to be a minority by 2050. I doubt Black people or Asians care much about RVW's music or English history.

[@sidpheasant7585]

@@alanchadwick373 You cannot know that, and should not make sweeping statements. Furthermore, the corollary of your statement - that white English/British citizens should universally know, love and appreciate RVW's music is incorrect, and indeed patently absurd. Personally, I think the great composer's best music (including "In the Fen Country") is so great and powerful and indeed evocative of our country that everybody should at least have been exposed to it, even if there is no way we can make them love it. I also think some of the music is divinely inspired, even as RVW tried so much to persuade people of his non-religious nature. It matters not, the Holy Spirit works as it works. But that would also mean that to love the best of Vaughan Williams is to be a religious person, which is also (unfortunately) a lot to expect! Equally, we all know the power of music to unite and break down barriers, so there is no particular reason to be pessimistic or divisive with it...

[@freedomisslavery6840]

@@sidpheasant7585 What he says is a demographic fact, go and check it. Brits will be a minority in their own country by 2066 likely sooner. The country will disappear with us.

[@freedomisslavery6840]

@Tony Benn (Real) How is it a problem if the English become a collective minority in England, their own homeland? Is that an actual question you're asking me?

[@williambarts3620]

Never have I seen the Fens, but did grow up in the marshes, bays, and creeks of a coastal town in the U.S. But I have listened to RVW for years, just recently discovering this magnificent recording. WOW, how this music speaks to my heart, bringing me back to the island of my youth, to those watery places that boys love to roam, a place where I grew up.

[@peterfeltham5612]

God bless you pal.

[@barbaragaona7785]

I love this work. At 71, it makes me very nostalgic for a kinder, simpler time of my past. The last couple of years I have fallen in love with the music of Delius. Now I am discovering Vaughan Williams and others.

[@stewartlancaster6155]

I will never forget my first sight of Ely Cathedral from across the Fens on a frosty winter evening. I was both in awe and comforted by the warm, soft, yellow glow from the Cathedral, contrasting with the biting East wind and hard frost.

[@Jubilo1]

I am glad I haved lived long enough to appreciate this.

[@elainebmack]

I came to England for a long vacation after the death of my mother back in 2003. The moment I arrived in the English countryside the music of RVW came to my ears. Pure magic...

[@jamestaylor6493]

When i listen to this beautiful music my worries fade into nothingness.

[@rarebreedewe]

So true so true xx

[@agapitoreyes7042]

With Vaughan Williams, I feel the nostalgia of the English landscape. Greetings from Mexico

[@davidharris2844]

Greetings to you Agapito, I'm pleased you enjoyed the video.

[@markadamson7125]

It still exists amigo so it’s not nostalgia but I know what you mean

[@paulbutterworthbillericay]

Nothing like working a night shift in the Fens around Cambridge, the fog hovers above the ground sometimes about a meter thick, then as the sun rises it cuts through the mist eventually, the fishermen positioned on the banks of the canals, then head to a hideaway pub, dog walkers and ramblers with maps scatter the landscape, the smell of the fields, the heat of the summer the bitter wind of the winter, the call of the skipper of the rowing team as they row down the rivers, the straight single tracks, the houses that lean foundations beaten by the big their built on, it's a peculiar landscape but one most unique

[@johnleahy5853]

@@paulbutterworthbillericay Thankyou and your comment reminds me of when being a young teenager at a school in the Fens in the early 1960’s. We had classes of what was called ‘Cross Country’ running. We ran along the river banks of the Coronation Channel (around Spalding) come whatever the worst of the weather - heavy rain, mist, fog, snow, hail. Nowadays, I suppose that much of that would be considered unsafe. Along with all the comments, RVW is my favourite classical music composer. He left us a unique ‘landscape’ of sublime, reflective and emotional music. Thankyou again David Harris for producing these wonderful videos.

[@paulbutterworthbillericay]

@@johnleahy5853 As an Overheads line man, we would get baked in the summer time walking some of our longest walks in West Anglia, from Waterbeach, Watlington, some of them were 5 miles long on a single bi directional line with up & down lines, 9n your own have to remember to look around every other second or you might become part of the scenery, then at night would put the machines on the line and trundle down the track, the original machine there would be 3 or 4 of us standing on top, in the summer glorious, winter bloody frozen with ice, sometimes working off ladders, sliding on the top wire with the wind, it's the only place ice seen freezing fog about 2 meters above ground level as we drove through it, I must return there sometime for old time sake

[@alanbennett5071]

I remember my days in the RAF, serving in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire. This brings back those brisk breezes as I cycled to Ely and back, the huge skies over endless fields and the misty mornings along the Great Ouse. This music takes me straight back there. All that is needed is the roar of a Rolls Royce Merlin in the background…

[@ALRatmosphericmusic]

One of the finest works of 20th century English music... Played by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, pure beauty !

[@paulbutterworthbillericay]

I spent 15 years walking up & down the railway lines from Bethnal Green in London to Kings Lynn,,I walked ever step so many times, then at night work on the same locations, the fens especially from Cambridge - Littleport,,Waterbeach - Ten Mile Bank, all the way to Watlighton Downham Market & where the line ends at Kings Lynn, always impressed me, the bitter winters, the baking hot summers, the stillness, the way the must rules across, the houses that lean from the soft ground,,the warm & proud people, a special place indeed

[@shin-i-chikozima]

The wonderfulness and comfort of Vaughan Williams‘ music are off the charts amazing Without Vaughan Williams' works , the music world would have been very lonely and insipid , and the enjoyment and pleasures of the music world would have been less , and I would feel that the music world is like the taste of stale beer . From Tokyo of the Land of the Rising Sun 🇯🇵

[@dennisoconnor4387]

This is Visionary music! It takes you there. Beautifully. It sweeps over you like a light wind. love this!✨🎶🌬

[@sidpheasant7585]

Special words, since wind symbolises the Holy Spirit, who can get behind the genius of composers to encourage transcending music. Even when they are atheists like Ralph Vaughan Williams - that famously boundless generator of wonderful church music! Jesus noted how the Holy Spirit is like a wind who blows where He will.

[@dennisoconnor4387]

@@sidpheasant7585 Thanks for your wonderful reply!! God walks with me every day! hopefully with you as well.✨

[@sidpheasant7585]

@@dennisoconnor4387 You better believe it, Dennis, my dear friend and brother! But it is only since 28-2-21 that I have really "seen". The anniversary of that is almost upon us. I was brought very low indeed and begged to be cleansed of my burdening sin, which did indeed become suddenly intolerable to me (as we say in church). That changed a lot, even my appreciation of RVW - which did long pre-date being Born Again. One of the things that happened is that I seem to find the Holy Spirit in certain pieces of music, classical surely, but also some pop music. How wonderful is that? Very. And I am EXTREMELY grateful for God's kindness and mercy shown to me.

[@michaelday6573]

I live in near London, but come from the beautiful county of Suffolk with this music it reminds me of its countryside and its beauty. I will go home one day. ❤️

[@660einzylinder]

I work for a Drainage Commission in the Fens, and live below sea level. Such an evocative piece of music, which often comes to mind when I'm out alongside a drain with just my dog and the quiet fen for company.

[@AmitOak]

Ralph Vaughn Williams came first and then came the big bang!! I want his music to be played at my funeral! .000001 of his musical creations in my reincarnation will MAKE my NEXT LIFE WORTH ! BLESS US MR WILLIAMS FROM WHEREEVER U R!

[@jazzingrandad]

the vastness and grandeur of the Fens captured in ravishing music and pictures, thank you

[@davidharris2844]

Glad you enjoyed the video Andy.

[@ezekielbrockmann114]

Who needs to pay a therapist when there's Vaughn Williams to rediscover.

[@jipej9810]

oui, c'est vrai : c'est une musique qui fait du bien, qui rend heureux, qui excite l'imaginaire ; l'ai découvert depuis peu et Trop peu diffusé sur France Musique … Dommage !

[@sorntorkelson6119]

@Berliner Stadtschloss I believe that therapy is more for those who cannot find said path, but not those who are unwilling to walk it.

[@sorntorkelson6119]

Being someone who has never needed therapy, I would feel guilty for blaming those who do.

[@engletinaknickerbocker5380]

@Berliner Stadtschloss ... therapists are trained to allow their clients to work towards solutions for themselves with guidance tools. Unless, you are thinking of people paying for a commodity such as paying a prostitute to relieve lustful feelings, the participant in a therapy session must work as hard as the therapist, or nothing is gained ... perhaps, courage is an incorrectly used word in this context? Some of us work for a living. Therapy sessions can be helpful when one doesn't have enough time to sit around and figure out what to do. Our time is not easily partitioned into setting aside actionable 'courage' to work 'towards themselves'. Working for a living, to support a family and one's lifestyle not only depends on an expected work ethic but a job --which is not altogether easy to hold onto in the current economic landscape. For example, my commute is 1.6 hrs one-way so I spent more than three hours in simply driving to my job. It is over country roads and requires extreme diligence in ensuring that I arrive to the job site in one whole piece. Unfortunately, I wouldn't necessarily be able to listen to Mr von Williams because it might interfere with alertness. Would you like to use the word 'perseverance' or 'persistence' to describe a sense of self-indulgence with time not spent in doing someone else's bidding? An honest day's work is not a modern concept. Neither is courage.

[@josefernandes1329]

The music vaughn Williams is therapist, now?

[@peterrobertbowers7639]

Another favourite composition of mine; by another great composer...Ralf Vaughan Williams. i bought this particular 💿 CD years ago with Bryden Thomson at the helm...with the London philharmonic orchestra. Very haunting music. 😢😒😢 I’m a very nostalgic, sentimental kind of person; So i do always have to have the tissues ready. People also ask me...what do i think about, when listening to sad emotional classical music? Well......Loved ones that have passed on. My past. The past in general...that it once was. i love that kind of time period. The 18th / 19th century. i also think about our fast disappearing lovely countryside. Its sort of an elegy really. And yet when these composers write this kind of music; they were probably happy. Just like when Rachmaninov wrote his 2nd symphony. But when i listen to this music...i cry. I’ve got a great insight....understanding of the music. This music is similar to the composers Arnold Bax and Ernest Moeran. Charles Stanford. Even though i do listen to music on a 💿 CD; i can also play all of this music back....in my mind ( spirit) i can play any kind of music...all the way through. Even a piano concerto. Tuesday afternoon at 16:45H. 26th January 2021 U.K. 🇬🇧 Southampton. I

[@JohnBassDunnahoo]

Perfect piece for a Saturday morning headache. Beautiful pics beautiful music and an ugly headache.

[@3985uprr]

I am an American and love the music of RVW. His music reminds me of many pastoral places I travel to in America, especially the rural areas of Pennsylvania.

[@tango6nf477]

Many parts of the Eastern United States are very much like the UK hence the name New England. When I have visited I have been struck with the similarities and the bond between our two peoples. Best wishes from Derbyshire, England.

[@rustynaile7042]

Yes, some of the gentle hills and flat meadows with winding streams in the Central Valley of Pennsylvania reflect the mood of this beautiful piece.

[@3985uprr]

Remember, Pennsylvania gets its name from a Reading UK born fellow named William Penn. There is also a Reading in Pennsylvania. It’s a beautiful state in eastern USA.

[@Korgano]

It makes me think of the open fields, gentle hills, and tranquil rivers near my home in Iowa.

[@molossergirl2]

My favourite ever composer, have most of his recordings. Magical, sublime, enigmatic, mystical, spiritual. RVW captures this Sceptred Isle so completely and beautifully!

[@bonniebrauer3338]

RVW remains the quintessential Comforter among the wonderful English composers. I grew up on Delius (in my native US) whose music led me to other English greats.

[@greatone777j]

This is truly a great work with a magnificent soundscape having all the hallmarks and signatures of R.V.W.; symphonic in its proportions with exquisitely timed and balanced intensity of emotional and illustrative content. Thanks again David for a beautifully presented post.

[@davidharris2844]

Unmistakably Vaughan Williams, as you say. Glad you're finding a few videos to take your interest. Best wishes.

[@31Alden]

Cast your worries aside and listen to this stunning piece of music and be mesmerized by the combined beauty of the photographs and music of RVW.

[@MichaelVanderosen]

Just too beautifully sublime for words… my personal favourite is his wonderful evocative Sea Symphony!

[@Lytton333]

England, my England.. Many thanks Sir..

[@davidharris2844]

Pleasure, glad you enjoyed it.

[@shanehenderson8756]

Where are the lionhearts ?

[@Belfreyite]

I am just waking up to the beauty of RVW 's music. I love pastoral works and English composers seem to have excelled in this direction. Vaughan Williams was a very good friend to that other brilliant composer Gustav Holst. I would love to have eavesdropped on their conversation as they hiked through our green and pleasant land.

[@victorformosa228]

Some months ago I had a conversation with a gentleman, who is still connected to the royal academy of music, who knew RVW personally, and said what a wonderful and humble man he was, the pastoral no 3 is my favourite piece.

[@DieFlabbergast]

English composers also excelled in many other directions. Ralph Vaughan Williams was FAR from being just a composer of pastoral music. You should sample the whole range of his works.

[@manny9655]

I'm a big Holst fan and have played some of his works, and I totally agree with you. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall listening to those two conversing.

[@livingladolcevita7318]

well done how you matched the photos to the music to get that evocative feeling. As a Welshman prone to melancholy this music brings back memories of a time, another world I spent at 17 in 1974 my first RAF posting in East Anglia. Not strictly fen country but close. Blazing hot summers and biting winters and great beer. Not to fully return to my homeland for many years. Little did I realise at the time how I would look back years later with such nostalgia.

[@davidharris2844]

Glad you enjoyed the video, I remember the beer in those parts myself.

[@fizzao1342]

I have listened to this before during a difficult time of my life. I can't believe that I didn't leave a comment. It really helped me listening to the sublime Ralph Vaughan Williams music and seeing these beautiful pictures. Thank you so much. I live in Lincoln but we haven't explored the fens due to poor health despite wanting to do so. Thank you once again.

[@davidharris2844]

I'm so pleased you enjoyed the video and that it helped you in difficult times. It was educational for me putting it together, as the Fens is a part of the country that I don't really know at all, so sourcing the photographs and seeing the strange beauty of the place and, also, how aptly Vaughan Williams' music seems to catch its essence was a real eye-opener for me. It must be very frustrating for you not being able to explore the countryside around you, I do hope you manage to find joy in other ways. Best wishes.

[@marksuckling6749]

A complete joy to listen to and see. We do truly love England because of superior composers and architects.

[@amandawhiteley6737]

Lovely music, one of my favourite English composers, quintessentially English. Loving Dives and Lazarus scores. Also fantasia on a theme, by Thomas Tallis. Impressed by his most works, never ceases to fail me!

[@tonycole3532]

Couldn't agree more. Superb quality. So evocative. How sad that our country seems now to embrace such worthless values and standards. How can anyone watch the majority of mainstream television?

[@alancumming2336]

RVW really is a remarkable composer. He captures landscape and the human spirit's reaction to it so well in pieces such as this.

[@darlenedurling3217]

I am delighted to discover Vaugh Williams and his music. I grew up along a large fen and I am at home and my heart is full when listening to this beautiful piece.

[@judithmosely5283]

This is so very lovely. I LOVE Vaughn Williams. Love him.

[@georgealderson4424]

This music shows once again that there are lesser known pieces (at least to me!) which deserve and ought to be heard far more frequently. Thank you for revealing this and for the stunning phographs sir

[@davidharris2844]

Glad you enjoyed it George. The photographs were all gathered from the internet - a lot of talented people out there.

[@lauradavidson4326]

When the craziness of this frenetic world gets the best of me, I am so thankful I can find refuge and beauty in the works of such marvelous pieces like In the Fen Country. The Solent is another place I love to go to and just listen and imagine a better world. Lovely and inspiring music.

[@ChrisH133878]

It is many years since I have lived near the fens. This music is so evocative of the stark beauty and space.

[@vintagebrew1057]

Listening to this evocative piece of music puts me a little bit in touch with my Lincolnshire ancestors. They were agricultural workers who were forced to seek work in London. They may have had fuller bellies but I bet they missed their home. Thanks.

[@davidharris2844]

Pleasure, and thanks for sharing your reflections.

[@stewartgellatly8073]

Well done again David Harris. Were it not for your good self and others like you, and the wonder of KZbin, Great music like this would be lost forever. The accompanying photographs and paintings are the equal of the music. Puting them together was masterful.

[@davidharris2844]

Glad you are finding a few videos you like Stewart, and thanks for the kind comments.

[@voxceltica4249]

Such a world of beauty and harmony in Vaughan Williams music💗 Thank you for the evocative pictures, which complement the music with sweet nostalgia

[@davidharris2844]

Pleasure, glad you enjoyed the video.

[@sidpheasant7585]

But we sell this music short if we always go on maintaining it is just about the past...

[@davebarclay4429]

This is just wonderful and shows Bryden "Jack" Thomson at his best. He was appallingly under-appreciated, not least in his native Scotland, but his recordings of British music easily rank alongside Boult, Barbirolli, Handley and other acknowledged masters. Although I'm Scottish my wife is from Lincolnshire so I know the county well and the photos are beautiful and evocative.

[@johnbrophy2767]

Fondly remembered in Dublin for the humanity and warmth of his music making

[@davebarclay4429]

@@johnbrophy2767 It's no surprise that he left his papers and scores to the National Museum of Ireland rather than the National Museum of Scotland. Succeeding Neemi Järvi at the RSNO was never going to be easy for anyone but it was very clear that some elements in the orchestral management regarded Thomson as a stop-gap until they found somebody "better" (for which read non-Scottish). It didn't help that he was in the early stages of the illness which eventually led to his premature death. It's interesting, if ultimately pointless, to wonder how things with the RSNO would have turned out if he had been fully fit.

[@gharwood1356]

I recorded quite a few of his performances for broadcast and he was always a pleasure to work with. The orchestra always gave of its best, particularly as he wasn't averse to an early finish!

[@kpokpojiji]

In these days of climate change, listening to this music, seeing the picture of the cathedral illuminated at night, I can't help but realize how much beauty and great achievement we humans have also made, and stand to lose. Let this also be a wake up call for what we need to do to preserve and indeed prove the best we are capable of.

[@3985uprr]

His music is so colorful and full of emotion. Those emotions match the feelings and visions I have for beloved locations throughout the USA. I’m sure the same feeling would be felt for the lovely rural areas of the UK.

[@wim8964]

This music is beautiful I live in the nederlands and al wisch you al in engeland Happines in the most terrilble time in the word war in Oekraïne De music and de natur is realy piecefull thanks for this❤️

[@davidharris2844]

Blij dat je genoten hebt van de video Wim. Ik wens u ook vrede en geluk in deze moeilijke tijden.

[@sidpheasant7585]

Thanks, and the same to you, Wim. Three months have passed and the evil absurdity and chaos of Putin's war continues, its pillars of sand being pride, non-forgiveness, love of money, a lack of care for human life, judgmentalism, and so on. Although he was too old for it to be required, Ralph Vaughan Williams served in World War I (as a medic, and in the Artillery - including as leader of a Military Band). That war was similarly h*llish (though probably the war in Ukraine is worse, given the harm done to ordinary people in their own homes). However, RVW began this work in 1904 - 10 years before the First World War broke out.

[@jeanszulc]

What really gets me about RVW's works, is that you are sometimes you are not quite sure if you are listening to a climax or a low section of the piece. It just seems to endlessly increase in intensity, and when you think you had enough, Ralph shows you that he was only beginning.

[@jd-bl3gf]

Very good remark

[@stillstanding6031]

Love RVW's early work. Rich and oh so evocative of peace and harmony. Just right for these troubled times.

[@EHagen10]

Beeeaauuuutiful. Thnx to David for the video, to Ralph for the music, and to God for the eyes, ears and soul to absorb it. This is one of my favorite pieces I play to put my parakeets to sleep.

[@davidharris2844]

Glad you enjoyed it and glad your parakeets find it restful.

[@anselman3156]

David. You are a true artist. Your videos are some of the most beautiful and transporting things on KZbin. Thank you for these refreshing oases.

[@davidharris2844]

Hi and thank you very much for your kind comment. I'm really pleased you enjoy the channel, however, I think the real artists are the composers, painters and photographers that I feature. I just cobble their stuff together.

[@MsMissbetsy]

Sublime. Greetings from New Boston, New Hampshire, USA

[@rustynaile7042]

A rural drive through Rappahannock County in Virginia also reflects the beautiful melodies of this RVW piece.

[@kme3894]

this reminds me of the many walks I used to take on various fens surrounding Cambridge when I lived there. Makes my heart so peaceful

[@seastar5415]

Bless you David, keep warm and thank you.. as always. Xx❤

[@davidharris2844]

Hi Susan, glad you are still enjoying the channel. Hope all is well with you and yours. Best wishes, David

[@MichaelVanderosen]

I was at Harrow Richard Holtzin in 1950’s when RVW was supposed to come down to conduct the whole school of 600 plus boys in a performance of his Sea Symphony… we rehearsed every Sunday morning (instead of Chapel) in our huge semi circular Speech Room with the largest organ in UK… sadly he died 4 days before the performance … our music master instead of having us perform it In Memoriam cancelled the performance!!! I still feel anger and regret at that!😡🙄😢

[@ericnk58]

RVW composed In the Fen Country in 1904 and revised it in 1905 and 1907. It's the earliest of his compositions that he didn't at some point withdraw. That Viola solo in the closing pages is so beautiful but did that come from a revision or was that in the original MS? RVW died in 1958 and In the Fen Country didn't get published until 1969. What a glorious work and what a wonderful interpretation by Bryden Thomson, who was only 63 when he was taken from us. RVW and "Jack" must be partying it up in the Great Beyond.

[@rustynaile7042]

Von William’s music like this one makes it easy to picture the English country side. Beautiful!

[@Dabberontour]

Having sung in the choir stalls at Ely and walked many times along the Ouse this takes me back immediately - beautiful images, Thank you

[@davidharris2844]

Pleasure, glad you enjoyed the video.

[@michaelgamble296]

I too have sung in Ely Cathedral as a Chorister at Peterborough we had an annual Three Choirs Festival - so I also sang at Norwich.

[@ColinBlake]

RVW always with beautiful music like this reminds me of long summer days of my youth out all day exploring the country side.lovely video and music and thank you for bringing back those memories

[@davidharris2844]

It's a pleasure Colin. Happy memories are to be treasured.

[@doughartley3513]

Yes very beautiful summer days

[@webrarian]

Perfect photos - I've had just these images in my mind when listening to this piece over the past fifty years.

[@davidharris2844]

Glad you enjoyed it Chris. There are a lot of talented snappers out there.

[@baronusher8244]

Great Composer.... Wonderful Music ¡¡¡

[@TheRexRich]

My country. The fens . RVW does my home county justice . Wonderful .

[@francoaragosta4285]

This tranquil, meditative tone poem captures the awe-nspiring BEAUTY one may find in AUSTERITY. This increasingly rare quality, afforded by SOLITUDE whlle contemplating the mystery and wonder of lonely landscapes, instills a soothing-if-somewhat-melancholy sense of peace in those who take time to immerse themselves in it. A closeness to God never found in the hurly burly of chattering social intercourse or militantly organized efforts intended to "improve" the world may be experienced in music such as this. A lovely -- much-needed -- RESPITE from the earthly cares and woes on which we tend to dwell compulsively.

[@davidhumphries9330]

very well written Franco. Music Lovers around the world are still waking up to the unique qualities that Vaughan Williams brings to Music.

[@derekpyne]

Best Composer for me Ralph Vaughan Williams. His music is brilliant and calming. Just close your eyes and you in the Cambridgeshire fens and the open space and sky around you

[@DavidA-ps1qr]

Derek, please check out the RVW society, I've been a member for years. It gives an amazing insight into his music and remarkable life. The website is: rvwsociety.com so glad you enjoy his music.

[@shin-i-chikozima]

The British music touches the heartstrings of the Japanese people , and gives a deep sympathy , emotion and nostalgia . Especially Vaughan Williams , and especially 「 the ascending lark 」 From Tokyo of the Land of the Rising Sun 🇯🇵

[@sidpheasant7585]

Good for you! Love and respect from the Brits. With such shared feelings we can build a better world, and that is what it is all about...

[@shin-i-chikozima]

@@sidpheasant7585 Thank-you so much to your fabulous , and specutacular comments Someday please come to Japan Japan is full of unfathomable amazing and marvellous things

[@alanmerryweather5781]

@@shin-i-chikozima I remember reading in The Gramophone Magazine, many years ago, that the Japanese were very fond of Beethoven's late quartets. That remark was made in the days of shellac 78rpm discs, before LPs came in.

[@shin-i-chikozima]

@@alanmerryweather5781 Thank you so much to your wonderful comment I am really surprised by your valuable comment. It is a famous story that when the world’s first DVD was made in Japan, the recording time was based on the performance time of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. The Japanese deeply love Beethoven, and on December 31, theyalways play the Ninth and sing it with hundreds of people Take care of yourself Good luck Someday please come to Japan You will be astounded at all of Japan See you again

[@OliverBComposer]

@@shin-i-chikozima Just some information in case you're interested: Especially in "The Lark Ascending", Vaughan Williams uses the Pentatonic scale a lot, which is the same scale commonly used in some traditional Japanese music. Maybe that's one reason why it feels somewhat familiar to you :)

[@ChrisH133878]

Thank you so much. Beautiful music and images. So evocative of my time living in Lincolnshire.

[@davidharris2844]

Pleased you enjoyed it. I count myself very lucky to live in a country with as diverse a landscape as England. And with such a wealth of native composers.

[@basspartout]

Thank you so much for this incredibly beautiful music. I cant believe I've never come across this brilliant composer until now. Greetings from Berlin

[@davidharris2844]

Really pleased you enjoyed it. If you haven't heard of Vaughan Williams before, I hope you will have a lot of pleasurable times ahead as you discover his music. Best wishes.

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

That is the german concert repertoire for you. Vaughan Williams is virtually non existant in our concerts. A shame. You just have to search the Digital Concert Hall of the Berlin Philharmonic fpr Vaughan Williams and you'll see what I mean. ONE performance of a work of his. ONE. In all of the filmed archives since the time of von Karajan. And the only reason they picked that one work is because they celebrated 50 years of the building they are in and had a concert that was about ambient sound.

[@stephendouglas4870]

I'm living in Prague and have been to a number of good concerts, and find virtually no British composers are ever played. It puzzles me, because I think Czech people would really enjoy V. Williams particularly.

[@not2tees]

I remember the first time I heard Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis, on a car radio, here in Canada, and I had to pull over to listen to it play out. Vaughn Williams is a powerful composer that should not be missed by anyone.

[@michaelgamble296]

@@stephendouglas4870 I am equally sure they enjoy Zdenek Fibich's 'Poem for Orchestra' and I invite all to listen to it. It will stay on your mind for ever . . . '

[@jerrera45]

Thank you for this beautiful moment of music and photography. In a world so troubled right now it was so nice to escape into a more peaceful place.

[@davidharris2844]

Pleasure, glad you enjoyed the video John and found a temporary refuge from the storm.

[@amosshapecloud5946]

gobsmacking to think that this is an "earlier" work. such insight. such majesty.

[@Mark_Dyer1]

In the 1980s I lived at Saracens Head, near Holbeach (on the A17), and so to see the South Holland Main Drain, with Crowland Abbey in the background brought back some treasured memories. This may be one of RVW's earlier compositions: but it is also one of my favourites. How on Earth did a 'Londoner' capture the essence of The Fen Country in this astonishing way?

[@deanwhitbread]

He was born in Gloucestershire

[@johnday530]

YES this some ov the very best musical content on U Tube.bless RVW may he rest in peace..

[@Mark_Dyer1]

@@johnday530 So pleased to find a fellow-fan of RVW, John. I also have a female friend in Yorkshire who shares our enthusiasm. I have more RVW in my collossal CD collection, than any other composer.

[@jorgesavarino7430]

Me fascina RVW.Me gustan mucho sus sinfoniade.Soy admirador de unas de sus obras.Fantasia sobre un tema de Thomas Tallis.Increible música.En realidad toda su música me gusta.Gracias

[@davidharris2844]

Me alegra que encuentres algunos videos para disfrutar de Jorge.

[@wielandwittmann9832]

Breathtaking, both music and photographs. Bravissimo! 👍 👍 👍 👏 👏 👏 🙋

[@malena3669]

How excellent it is to always hear Vaughan Williams"",☆The beautiful beautiful landscape!☆Dear Mr.Harris...thank you very much!☆🌊👙🩴👣🕶👒🍉🎶🌈🌞⛅️👱‍♀️❗️🎶🕶🧢🕶🧢👣👣🍍🥤🧊🧊🌊🥥🏖🖐🖐🖐‼️I loved👌👏👋👋👋🎵🍋

[@davidharris2844]

Glad you enjoyed it Malena. I think this is a very atmospheric piece of music.

[@malena3669]

​​@@davidharris2844Hello dearMr.Harris...we just came from a long walk on the beach, full of seagulls flying over!☆...how pleasant it is to jog and walk along the shore of the beach.!thank you for your attention, always attentive!👣👣👣👙🩴🕶👒🧢🕶🧢🕶👱‍♀️👋👋👋‼️☆

[@birgitpfluegel8600]

Dear Mr. Harris, thanks a lot connecting this excellent music with these wonderful impressions... nothing more to say, just .... let my soul fly...🕊

[@davidharris2844]

It's a pleasure, I'm glad you enjoyed it Birgit.

[@3985uprr]

This is one of Vaughan Williams lesser known orchestral pieces which surprises me. It is a beautiful piece of music which puts to mind in my mind quiet desolate places whether it be a marsh or woodlands revealing a beautiful meadow depicted in all kinds of weather and seasons. This music is a perfect example about how the composer can transport the mind and emotions to beautiful distant lands where a mental painting can be created, the end result an emotional masterpiece. I drove out to the Pennsylvania countryside yesterday and listened to it 5 times!!!!

[@georgealderson4424]

Driving to Pennsylvania is quite a distance to go from here in UK Tim

[@3985uprr]

I live in suburban New York City so not so far. Love Vaughan Williams music as well as other English composers. I have a bit of English blood in me although born is USA. If you should ever come to America and travel around the state of Pennsylvania, you will see beautiful country where this music is most appropriate.

[@georgealderson4424]

@@3985uprr Thank you and if you come to look up your ancestors you can share in the beauty we have to offer!

[@nicknixon1922]

Beautiful, spiritual, both the music and the photos. Thankyou

[@davidharris2844]

It's a pleasure. I think VW really does capture the spirit of the place in this piece of music.

[@peterjhillier7659]

Once again your choice of Pictures beautifully compliment this wonderful Piece of Music by dear old RVW, what a Debt we owe him. Thank you.

[@davidharris2844]

Glad you enjoyed the video Peter.

[@stoatyloaf9486]

Thankyou for posting this, a beautiful combination of wonderful music and great photographs.

[@davidharris2844]

Pleasure. It's one of those pieces of music that you can really lose yourself in.

[@janeclare6014]

I agree with the contributor who said VW gives her goosebumps. I don't know any other composer who can do that to me. So much of his music sends shivers down my spine, in a very good way. No one else combines our Tudor church tradition with our rich folk tradition whilst adding a great deal of his own personality, whether grumpy, fiery, (try his symphonies, those of you who've just discovered him!), sensitive or with a huge amount of sympathy and empathy for those less fortunate than himself. I love him, and his music makes me proud that Britain produced such a (disgracefully, still underrated) composer. Not much else these days makes me proud to be British.

[@MichaelVanderosen]

❤Totally Agree Jane!

[@michaelgamble296]

Wonderful music, favourite Orchestra (LPO) - one can almost get into those photos and walk around! As a Chorister at Peterborough we used to enjoy singing in the Three Choirs Festival (now, sadly, no longer on the Calendar! (WHY?) of Norwich, Ely (pictured with its distinctive Lantern Tower) and Peterborough with its amazing West Front.

[@hideakipage8151]

Beautiful. I grew up in Kent but now live in Cambridgeshire. I didn't like the Fens at first because it was too flat. However, I have grown to love the region over time. There is something about the broad skies and rivers that is magical. RVW really captures it.

[@stephenlupoli]

Thank you. I will always love RVW.

[@davidharris2844]

Pleasure, glad you enjoyed it.

[@jennylea8687]

Thank you for this beautiful music, and the equally beautiful photographs

[@davidharris2844]

I'm pleased you enjoyed it Jenny. The photographs were all sourced from online - there are some very talented people out there.

[@mmbmbmbmb]

Stunning music. Stunning images. So sensitively put together. Thank you David!

[@davidharris2844]

And thank you Karin, as always , for your kind comment.

[@chrismoin8881]

This is absolutely amazing. Thank you for sharing.

[@davidharris2844]

Pleasure, glad you enjoyed it Chris.

[@jimcrawford5039]

Forgot to say thanks a lot for this, I had’nt heard Thomson’s recording before. It’s a revelation!

[@davidharris2844]

Pleasure Jim, glad you enjoyed it. Bryden Thomson recorded quite a few of Vaughan Williams' works for the Chandos label.

[@davebarclay4429]

Try Bryden Thomson's Bax. It's just as good.

[@madderhat5852]

Offering a bronze sword and watching as is sinks to the depths.

[@wayne4259]

I have admired your efforts for sometime now. A work of love it is!

[@davidharris2844]

Thanks for your kind comment Wayne. I hope you continue to enjoy the channel.

[@davhuf3496]

Lovely!

[@davidmckenna5751]

Rvw was one of the great Collectors of English folk songs

[@arnoldronning5471]

Fabulous, artistic photography to accompany some of Great Britain's finest music!

[@stevewhite5915]

In the 80’s I spent some time in Market Deeping near Stamford. Isn’t that on the edge of this area? Loved it.

[@shin-i-chikozima]

This fits the nostalgic Japanese atmosphere of my childhood . I used to search for various insects in the field . From Tokyo of the Land of the Rising Sun Which are you watching from ？

[@janjackson3101]

Such lovely thoughts. Thank you for sharing.

[@shin-i-chikozima]

@@janjackson3101 Thank-you so much to your wonderful reply ！ Someday please come to Japan of the luscious spring where all Japanese people are making merry and floating under the cherry blossoms in full bloom having gorgeous Bento , delicious foods , treats and drinks while dancing , eating , singing and drinking . Japanese spring banquet is really 「 the Rite of Spring 」 of Stravinsky . Take care of yourself Good luck ！ Don't be careless Be on the alert for Coronavirus infection . Coronavirus is very dangerous and overwhelming strong Just talking or touching are infected . Good luck ！

[@Aldous944]

I spent my childhood in England, back in the 60s. I was out all day in the countryside, on my own, watching butterflies, insects, birds, wildlife and in awe of our oak and elm and chestnut trees. That was an idyllic time, when a child was pretty safe doing that alone, and nature filled your time and soul. I've also lived in Japan, in Tokyo area, for one year. It was unforgettable, especially the wonderful cherry blossom days of festival. I worked with and lived with the most graceful, beautiful people. I know that doesn't include everyone - no culture is without its nastier people - but I was treated with respect and generosity. I hold Japan very dear. Thank you for your lovely comment.

[@neilpiper9889]

I was born in Norfolk and still feel a part of it. I go back from landlocked Gloucestershire each year and love it, especially North Norfolk. I was married in Kings Lynn. The girl I married now is in a home with Altzheimers. I am 74 and under lock down in Stroud. This passionate music sums up how I feel at the moment. Thanks for posting it

[@bretthess6376]

Don't worry about the flu, my Friend. It is a big lie spread by crazy people to terrorize others into submission. Research the facts. FACT: Flu is not spread by germs on surfaces. Fact: This strain of the flu is LESS communicable then many others. Fact: All the other types of flu in the world did not just disappear when this type was released. All flu cases are counted as this new type to exaggerate the numbers of people affected. Fact: It is ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE to tell the difference between different types of flu in the laboratory. Fact: The number of cases in the U.S. have been wildly exaggerated. People killed in car accidents and a man run over by a golf cart were claimed as flu casualties. So be reassured. It is not anything to be afraid of. The lies and the lunatics behind them are the real problem. By the way, when I was a boy, 60 years ago, there was a field by my house, where in the summer time there would be thousands of butterflys flying among the flowers.

[@lionsloin7869]

Starting at 5:58, that brief trumpet phrase just gets to me every time. RVW for sure. A beautiful piece, and photos to match. Thank you DH.

[@davidharris2844]

Really pleased you enjoyed the video. I've just listened to the section of the piece you mention - distinctive Vaughan Williams, as you say, and very affecting.

[@kimquinn7728]

The photographs are beautiful, peaceful, lovely. The Music......oh, my...the emotions it gives rise to! Thank you for this unexpected gift!!!💙❤💜🤫😊😭

[@davidharris2844]

Glad you enjoyed the video Kim and that it sparked your interest. Vaughan Williams wrote some truly atmospheric music.

[@bobpremier]

Living in the Cambridgeshire Fens, I can really relate to the photographs...great video, and a beautiful evocative piece of music.

[@davidharris2844]

Pleased you enjoyed the video. I have to admit though, the photographs aren't mine, I filched them from the internet.

[@annamariebull9959]

Fen girl myself. Lovely picture lovely music

[@bearlincs]

I was born and raised in the Lincolnshire Fens. This landscape looks very familiar to me. The music is sublime.

[@MichaelVanderosen]

Yearningly Beautiful… Thank You David 🙏💜✊️

[@davidharris2844]

Pleasure, glad you enjoyed it Michael.

[@wichitazen]

The brass at 2:36 are stunning...beautiful playing. The violist (I believe) also is quite beautifully played as well in the beginning...

[@michaelgamble296]

Depending on when this was recorded, the Violinist could have been a friend - David Nolan who was Leader for years.

[@davidmitchell8192]

Could not be a more apt and fitting montage to go with this most evocative piece by the master craftsman. RVW at his brilliant best. Well done!

[@davidharris2844]

Glad you enjoyed it David.