RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS           1872 - 1958

Five Variants of 'Dives and Lazarus'

The ancient theme on which these variations are based goes back to the sixteenth century, and is known by various titles. It was usually sung as a carol ‘Come all ye faithful Christians’, and was known in Ireland as ‘The Star of County Down’ and in Scotland as ‘Gilderay’. Other variants are ‘The Thresher’ and ‘Cold blows the wind’.

In this setting for strings, effectively a cross between a folk song arrangement and an original composition, the haunting theme is announced at the outset with the rich harmonies that it deserves. Variant 1 is in triple time, with the harp giving an antiphonal commentary; Variant 2 is faster, an outline in three-bar phrases; the third has a new modal version of the tune in D minor, followed by a variation in F minor and a violin solo. Number 4 is a lively 2/4, and the final Variant is driven to a great climax which diminishes to a cello solo and a rising arpeggio, bringing the theme full circle.

 This work, based on the tune that Vaughan Williams had loved all his life, which came from the very soil of England, ageless and anonymous, was played at the composer’s funeral service in Westminster Abbey on 19th September 1958.