Ralph Vaughan Williams was a British composer and conductor who is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in 20th-century classical music. Born on October 12, 1872, in Down Ampney, Gloucestershire, England, he was the youngest of three children. His father was a vicar, and his mother was the daughter of a judge. Williams showed an early interest in music, and his parents encouraged him to pursue his passion. Williams began his musical education at the age of six, when he started taking piano lessons. He later studied at the Royal College of Music in London, where he was a pupil of Hubert Parry and Charles Villiers Stanford. He also studied composition with Max Bruch in Berlin and Maurice Ravel in Paris. Williams' early compositions were heavily influenced by the English folk music tradition, and he became known for his use of modal harmonies and pastoral themes. His first major work, the Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, was premiered in 1910 and quickly established him as a leading figure in British music. During World War I, Williams served in the Royal Army Medical Corps, and his experiences during the war had a profound impact on his music. He became interested in the music of other cultures, particularly the music of Eastern Europe, and he began incorporating these influences into his compositions. In the years following the war, Williams continued to compose and conduct, and he became increasingly involved in the promotion of British music. He was a founding member of the English Folk Dance and Song Society, and he worked to preserve and promote traditional English music. One of Williams' most famous works is his Symphony No. 5, which was premiered in 1943. The symphony is notable for its use of a recurring theme that is based on the rhythm of the Morse code signal for the letter "V," which was used as a symbol of victory during World War II. Williams received numerous awards and honors during his lifetime, including the Order of Merit in 1935 and the Order of the Companions of Honour in 1953. He was also awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Philharmonic Society in 1955. Williams continued to compose and conduct until his death on August 26, 1958, at the age of 85. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and celebrated around the world.

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