# Vaughan Williams, Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis

Mysterious pizzicato chords that open one of the great English string works.

## About the excerpt

- **Composer:** Ralph Vaughan Williams

- **Work:** Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis

- **Movement:** Largo sostenuto (opening cello/bass pizz)

- **Era:** Modern (c. 1910–1950)

- **Composed:** 1910

- **Key:** C

- **Metre:** 4/4

- **Tempo:** Largo sostenuto approximately 50 BPM

- **Clef:** Bass clef

- **Difficulty:** Comfortable

- **Audition list:** Not a standard excerpt

## Bowing

Pizz, let each note ring fully before the next.

## Techniques

orchestral, pizzicato, lyrical

This public reference contains work information and original practice notes. It does not publish the excerpt notation or grant permission to copy a score. Score access and rights depend on the edition and jurisdiction.

## Related excerpts

- [Ravel: Boléro, opening cellos](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/cello/ravel-bolero), The unmistakable repeating pizzicato cello/bass ostinato. Hypnotic precision required. Comfortable; Modern; Bass clef.
- [Holst: The Planets, Jupiter, noble theme](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/cello/holst-jupiter), The famous "I vow to thee, my country" tune, broad, hymn-like, played in unison by all the strings. Comfortable; Modern; Tenor clef.
- [Copland: Appalachian Spring, Simple Gifts](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/cello/copland-appalachian), The cellos take the second variation of the Shaker hymn, pure American optimism. Comfortable; Modern; Bass clef.
- [Debussy: Prélude à l'après-midi, cellos](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/cello/debussy-faune), Languid, mysterious accompaniment to the famous flute solo. The dawn of musical Impressionism. Intermediate; Modern; Bass clef.
- [Stravinsky: Firebird, Berceuse](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/cello/stravinsky-firebird-berceuse), Hushed lullaby that opens after the firebird's capture, cellos rock gently in the lower register. Intermediate; Modern; Bass clef. Standard audition excerpt.
- [Prokofiev: Romeo & Juliet, Dance of the Knights](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/cello/prokofiev-dance-knights), The thunderous Capulet dance, relentless, marcato, a staple of orchestra excerpts. Intermediate; Modern; Bass clef. Standard audition excerpt.

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/cello/vw-tallis