Ralph Vaughan Williams, English composer active in the first half of the 20th century, relied on songs of native folklore, their intonations and harmonies, but also admired the 16th-17th c. English religious music. Williams’ work bloomed when the composer was over 50 years old. The composer decided quite late, only at the age of 36, to return to the composition studies. After lessons with Maurice Ravel in Paris, he wrote his First String Quartet in G minor. It is joked that “in the Quartet we hear Williams himself speaking, only with a French accent.” Rich impressionist flavour reveals influence of his teachers Ravel, Debussy and Fauré. Of course, the music does not lack Williams’ uniqueness, especially in the Quartet’s finale, which is characterized by rhythmic vitality, quotations of folk songs, fiery temperament.