I think perhaps I have created more arrangements of Ralph Vaughan Williams' Rhosymedre than any other tune. It is a beautiful work that breathes as if it were physically living; and for that reason, I think, it translates so well from its original form as an organ chorale prelude to performance by wind instruments.

This piece was first introduced to me when I was in college by Donald Wilkins, one of the most supremely gifted musicians I have ever known. He was a professor of mine while I was an undergraduate student at Carnegie Mellon University (and I have learned from him every time I have crossed paths with him since). Around about 1993 or so, he collaborated with my Phi Mu Alpha fraternity brothers and me in a performance of brass and organ music at his church. It was a great deal of fun working with Professor Wilkins - who truly does exemplify that old adage of having "forgotten more than I will ever know" about music. It was in this performance that my appreciation for Rhosymedre was born.

Vaughan Williams subtitled the work "Lovely," and that is perfectly apropos for the treatment of the piece. The hymntune (Rhosymedre) is a pretty little tune, but the interweaving of so many overlapping lines is stunningly beautiful. For me, the tune always calls to mind images of springtime.

• Rhosymedre is published by Drew Fennell Publishing.
  Available for Brass Band, Large Brass Ensemble and Brass Quintet.

• Hear a short sample of the Rhosymedre by Sine Nomine, Drew Fennell, Conductor, from the compact disc recording My Whole Heart [large brass ensemble version]*.