A Sea Symphony (Symphony No. 1)
Ralph Vaughan Williams
Work background
Researched classical background
Vaughan Williams uses poems by Walt Whitman in a four-movement symphony for soprano, baritone, chorus and orchestra. Voices participate throughout the work, not only in its conclusion. Sea imagery expands into questions of human fellowship and exploration. The composer explained that words and instrumental music share responsibility for the symphonic design rather than following a staged narrative.
Inspiration and creative background
Whitman's poetry, including sea poems and Passage to India, provides the work's text and ideas.
Vaughan Williams on Music: A Sea Symphony
Composer's own description of Whitman text and symphonic design | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Listen for the chorus's immediate participation and the changing balance of voices and orchestra.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Soprano, baritone, mixed chorus and orchestra
Composition: 1903-1910
1903 sketches; major scoring in 1908-09 and final revisions before the 1910 premiere, as described in the composer's letter.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Also known as: Sea Symphony
Vaughan Williams on Music: A Sea Symphony
Composer's own description of Whitman text and symphonic design | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Vaughan Williams Foundation: letter to Herbert Thompson
Composer's account of 1903-10 composition and revisions | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Vaughan Williams on Music: A Sea Symphony
Composer's own description of Whitman text and symphonic design | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Vaughan Williams Foundation: letter to Herbert Thompson
Composer's account of 1903-10 composition and revisions | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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