Percy Grainger and Ralph Vaughan Williams: A comparative study of English folk-song settings for wind band
Abstract
This thesis provides a comparison and study of English folk music collected by composers Percy Grainger and Ralph Vaughan Williams in the early twentieth century. Individuals who played a key role in beginning the folk music collecting movement are discussed, as well as the Folk Song Society's position in regulating and organizing folk-song collecting. A brief biography on Grainger is provided, along with his methods of collecting and setting folk-songs, and his ideas and processes on "free music." Chapters on Ralph Vaughan Williams follow, exploring his folk-song collecting and settings for the church. Grainger and Vaughan Williams' most well-known band works based on folk music, Lincolnshire Posy and English Folk Song Suite are examined, including the history and lyrics of each folk-song used and supporting music examples. Comparisons of the two composers' works conclude, bringing to light how diverse methods can be, albeit pursuing the common goal of preserving folk music.
Subject Area
Folklore|Music
Recommended Citation
Holtz, Shawna Meggan, "Percy Grainger and Ralph Vaughan Williams: A comparative study of English folk-song settings for wind band" (2009). ETD Collection for University of Texas, El Paso. AAI1473871.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/dissertations/AAI1473871