Picture: By uncredited press photographer, public domain

by Ben Hogwood

On this day in 1872, the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams was born. One of the best-loved English composers, he is loved for quintessentially English portraits such as The Lark Ascending, while his cycle of nine symphonies is gradually getting the acclaim it deserves.

On this occasion Arcana would like to highlight an unusual piece, celebrating its centenary two days ago – the suite for viola, chorus and orchestra Flos Campi. It is set in six movements, each titled after a verse from the Song of Solomon.

The first performance took place at London’s Queen’s Hall, where soloist Lionel Tertis performed with a wordless choir from the Royal College of Music and the Queen’s Hall Orchestra, conducted by Sir Henry Wood.

In the words of the composer, its “unabashedly sensual and lushly orchestrated” qualities were “quite appropriate considering its subject matter”. You can listen to a classic performance below, with Frederick Riddle and the Bournemouth Sinfonietta Choir and Orchestra conducted by Norman Del Mar.

Published post no.2,685 – Sunday 12 October 2025