As many know, Vaughan Williams had a lifelong interest in folk songs, church music, and hymn tunes, making many arrangements of works from these genres. His original music often divulged a folk-like character, and sometimes featured a genuine religious sense, as in the third movement of his Fifth Symphony (1938 - 1943; rev. 1951). This hymn, "God Be With You Till We Meet Again," No. 524 in the English Hymnal, was an example of Vaughan Williams supplying an original melody for a hymn.

And what a melody it is: Romantic in its lush, fluent character, it sounds like an admixture of serene religiosity and fervent love music. The text is by Jeremiah Eames Rankin (1828 - 1904) and the hymn not only begins with the words of its title, "God be with you till we meet again," but each of its eight verses opens and closes with it as well. Vaughan Williams, however, does not allow his music to sound repetitive, as his melodic charm, rich but simple harmonies, and varied choral writing provide plenty of variety. Those with an interest in hymns and church music will find this original setting of Rankin's verses of great appeal. The fact that Vaughan Williams embraced atheism early in his life, later modifying that conviction to agnosticism, might seem puzzling in a work of such genuine religious character.

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