David Vaughan Thomas

David Vaughan Thomas or David Vaughan-Thomas (15 March 1873 – 15 September 1934), born David Thomas, and known also by his bardic name Pencerdd Vaughan, was a composer, organist, pianist and music administrator. His compositions are deeply influenced by the musical and literary traditions of his native Wales. Though his music is now little performed he has been described as “the leading native Welsh musician of his time” and as “one of the most important composers in the transitional period of Welsh music from the Victorian era to our own times”. The broadcaster Wynford Vaughan-Thomas was his son. Life Born in 1873 to Jenkin Thomas and Anne Thomas in Ystalyfera, he moved with the family successively to Llantrisant, Maesteg, Llangennech, Dowlais and Pontarddulais. He received his musical education from the composer Joseph Parry, and also went to Llandovery College and Exeter College, Oxford, where he graduated in mathematics. Returning later to Oxford, he gained degrees as Bachelor of Music and Doctor of Music. For some years he worked as a mathematics teacher at United Services College, Westward Ho!, and Monkton Combe School, Bath, before becoming a music teacher and organist at Ha