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Abstract
Ralph Vaughan Williamss Symphony No. 5 in D was composed between the years 1938 and 1943. The purpose of this study is to analyze Symphony No. 5 as a summary of Vaughan Williamss philosophy of the English composer. Symphony No. 5 has been selected as the work for this study as it is, in the opinion of many, the most representative and outstanding of Vaughan Williamss nine symphonies. Symphony No. 5 is explored in six chapters that deal with musical, social, and political influences on Vaughan Williams during and prior to the writing of Symphony No. 5; the characteristics of Vaughan Williamss working method; Vaughan Williamss writings as they relate to the English composer and the symphony; the manuscripts of Symphony No. 5; the dedication of Symphony No. 5 to Jean Sibelius; and an analysis of Symphony No. 5. Included in the appendices are observations regarding the premiere, the reception history, and the recorded history of Symphony No. 5, and charts outlining the major tonal/modal areas of the symphony.