FYI

   Ursula Vaughan Williams Dies
   The Times
   October 25, 2007
   
   LONDON -- Ursula Vaughan Williams, second wife and longtime
   friend and colleague to Ralph Vaughan Williams, died on Oct. 23
   at the age of 96.  An accomplished writer, she authored his
   biography in 1964, some six years after his death.

   "She did not attempt to describe or assess his music: that was
   left to a companion volume by Michael Kennedy," reports the
   Times. "Nor did she attempt a direct assessment of his qualities
   and defects as a man; but by means of a thoroughly researched
   and well-written account of the events and activities of his
   life, supported by quotations from his correspondence with family
   and friends, she succeeded in conveying a rounded, vivid and
   objective portrait of that great and generous man."
   
   She first met the composer after having submitted a scenario for
   a ballet to him; when they finally met, he was 65 years old.
   They ultimately did collaborate on a number of works, and she
   became close friends with the composer and his first wife,
   Adeline.
   
   Ursula and Ralph Vaughan Williams were married in 1953, two years
   after Adeline died.  Ursula was 41, Ralph was 80.
   
   "After his death in 1958 she devoted herself not just to preserving
   his memory but also to working tirelessly in musical causes that
   he had espoused, and above all to the encouragement and assistance
   of young musicians. Her dedication to that mission perhaps
   prevented her from achieving the degree of recognition she
   deserved as a writer and poet."

Karl

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