Before The Mirror – A Previously Unknown Work by Ralph Vaughan Willams

Before The Mirror is a previously unknown work by composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, bringing a remarkable archival discovery to audiences for the first time. This video captures the world premiere recording of the work by Morley’s music department. The piano is played by Dimitris Karydis, Head of Classical Music, and sung by Marianna Suri, Curriculum Leader for Vocal Studies at Morley College London. It was recorded in the Gustav Holst Concert Room by Morley Radio and filmed by the Morley Engagement Team. Before the Mirror, was discovered in Morley College London’s archives by Morley’s archives manager, Elaine Andrews, in summer 2026. The song’s lyrics use extracts from a poem, Before the Mirror, by Algernon Charles Swinburne. The song explores themes of loss through a distinctive and expressive musical style. Before The Mirror is a musical response to the Swinburne poem which was inspired by the James McNeil Whistler painting Symphony in White, No 2. This recording brings the work to life the song over one hundred and twenty-five years after it was first written at the end of the nineteenth century by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Morley has an incredible tradition of classical music education - with courses for every level and interest. Explore our courses today! morleycollege.ac.uk Subscribe and follow us on socials for lectures, events, and more: Instagram -   / morley_college   Facebook -   / morleycollegelondon   LinkedIn -   / morley-college