Ralph Vaughan Williams was an English composer born on October 12, 1872, and he is known for his significant contributions to classical music. His works often incorporate elements of English folk music, which he collected and studied throughout his life. Vaughan Williams composed symphonies, choral music, and operas, with notable pieces including the London Symphony and The Lark Ascending. Vaughan Williams studied at the Royal College of Music and later in France with Gabriel Fauré. He played a crucial role in the development of 20th-century British music and was a founding member of the English Folk Dance and Song Society. He passed away on August 26, 1958, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of music.