during his long life vaughan williams wrote nine symphonies, works for the stage, songs, choral music and chamber music. in 1938 he wrote a famous piece called "serenade to music" for 16 solo singers and orchestra. it was one of several works he wrote inspired by shakespeare. the words were from the play "the merchant of venice". it was written for the 50th anniversary of sir henry wood’s career as a conductor. in 1953 he wrote music for queen elizabeth ii’s coronation, including a very short and simple motet "o taste and see" which has remained very popular with church choirs.