A Pastoral Symphony (Symphony No. 3)
Ralph Vaughan Williams
Work background
Researched classical background
Vaughan Williams developed the Pastoral Symphony from impressions gathered during his wartime service in France. Its four movements are predominantly restrained, and a wordless voice frames the finale. The second movement includes a trumpet passage associated with an army bugler's practice. Pastoral therefore does not simply mean a musical picture of an undisturbed English countryside.
Inspiration and creative background
The composer connected the work with wartime landscapes and his service as an ambulance orderly.
Burgess Hill Symphony Orchestra: Vaughan Williams Pastoral
1916-21 composition and composer letter on wartime origins | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Listen for the exposed trumpet passage and the distant wordless voice in the finale.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra with wordless soprano or tenor solo in the finale
Composition: 1916-1921
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: Pastoral Symphony
Burgess Hill Symphony Orchestra: Vaughan Williams Pastoral
1916-21 composition and composer letter on wartime origins | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Vaughan Williams Foundation: letter to Percy Scholes
Composer's 1922 programme notes for Pastoral Symphony | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Burgess Hill Symphony Orchestra: Vaughan Williams Pastoral
1916-21 composition and composer letter on wartime origins | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Vaughan Williams Foundation: letter to Percy Scholes
Composer's 1922 programme notes for Pastoral Symphony | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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