Famous English composers. English composer Benjamin Britten

27.04.2019

In 1904, the German critic Oscar Adolf Hermann Schmitz published a book about Great Britain, calling it (both the book and the country itself) “The Land Without Music” (Das Land Ohne Musik). Perhaps he was right. After Handel's death in 1759, Britain made negligible contributions to the development of classical music. True, Schmitz made his condemnation at the wrong time: the 20th century witnessed a revival of British music, which manifested itself in the formation of a new national style. This era also gave the world four great British composers.

Edward Elgar

He never formally studied the art of composition, but managed from a modest Worcester conductor and bandmaster of the Worcester psychiatric hospital to become the first in two hundred years British composer, which has achieved international recognition. His first major orchestral work, “Variations on a Mysterious Theme” (Enigma Variations, 1899), brought him fame - mysterious because each of the fourteen variations was written on a unique theme that no one had ever heard. Elgar's greatness (or his Englishness, as some say) lies in his use of bold melodic themes that convey a mood of nostalgic melancholy. His best work is called the oratorio “The Dream of Gerontius” (1900), and his First March from the cycle “Solemn and Ceremonial Marches” (Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1, 1901), also known as “The Land of Hope and Glory” , invariably causes great delight among listeners at the annual “promenade concerts”.

Gustav Holst

A Swede born in England, Holst was an exceptionally extraordinary composer. A master of orchestration, in his work he relied on such different traditions like English folk songs and madrigals, Hindu mysticism and the avant-gardeism of Stravinsky and Schoenberg. He was also interested in astrology, and its study inspired Holst to create his most famous (though not his best) work, the seven-movement symphonic suite “The Planets” (1914-1916).

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Ralph Vaughan Williams is considered the most English of British composers. He rejected foreign influences, imbuing his music with the mood and rhythms of national folklore and the work of English composers of the 16th century. Its rich, sad melodies conjure up pictures of rural life. Stravinsky even remarked that listening to his Pastoral Symphony (1921) was like “looking at a cow for a long time,” and he, admittedly, put it even mildly in comparison with the composer Elizabeth Lutyens, who called the “Pastoral Symphony” "music for cows" Vaughan Williams is best known as the author of A Sea Symphony (1910), A London Symphony (1913) and the delightful romance for violin and orchestra, The Lark Ascending (1914).

Benjamin Britten

Edward Elgar

He did not formally study the art of composition anywhere, but managed from a modest Worcester conductor and bandmaster of the Worcester mental hospital to become the first British composer in two hundred years to achieve international recognition. Having spent his childhood in his father's shop on the main street of Worcestershire, surrounded by scores, musical instruments and music textbooks, young Elgar independently studied music theory. In warm weather summer days he began to take manuscripts with him out of town to study (from the age of five he became addicted to cycling). Thus, for him, the beginning of a strong relationship between music and nature was laid. Later he will say: “Music, it’s in the air, music is around us, the world is full of it, and you can just take as much as you need.” At the age of 22, he accepted a position as bandmaster at the Worcester Mental Hospital for the Poor at Pawick, three miles southwest of Worcester, a progressive institution that believed in the healing power of music. His first major orchestral work, “Variations on a Mysterious Theme” (Enigma Variations, 1899), brought him fame - mysterious because each of the fourteen variations was written on a unique theme that no one had ever heard. Elgar's greatness (or his Englishness, as some say) lies in his use of bold melodic themes that convey a mood of nostalgic melancholy. His best work is called the oratorio “The Dream of Gerontius” (1900), and his First March of the Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1, 1901, also known as “The Land of Hope and Glory,” invariably causes great delight among listeners at the annual “promenade concerts.”

Elgar - The Dream of Gerontius

Gustav Holst

A Swede born in England, Holst was an exceptionally extraordinary composer. A master of orchestration, his work drew on traditions as diverse as English folk songs and madrigals, Hindu mysticism and the avant-gardeism of Stravinsky and Schoenberg. He was also interested in astrology, and its study inspired Holst to create his most famous (though not his best) work, the seven-movement symphonic suite (The Planets, 1914-1916).

Gustav Holst. "Planets. Venus"

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Ralph Vaughan Williams is considered the most English of British composers. He rejected foreign influences, imbuing his music with the mood and rhythms of national folklore and the work of English composers of the 16th century. Vaughan Williams is one of the major composers of the first half of the 20th century, who played an important role in the revival of interest in British academic music. His legacy is very extensive: six operas, three ballets, nine symphonies, cantatas and oratorios, works for piano, organ and chamber ensembles, arrangements folk songs and many other works. In his work, he was inspired by the traditions of English masters of the 16th–17th centuries (he revived the genre of the English mask) and folk music. Williams' works are noted for their large-scale design, melodicism, masterful vocal performance and original orchestration. Vaughan Williams is one of the founders of the New English composer school- the so-called “English musical renaissance”. Vaughan Williams is best known as the author of A Sea Symphony (1910), "A London Symphony" (1913) and the delightful romance for violin and orchestra “(The Lark Ascending, 1914).

Vaughan Williams. "London Symphony"

Benjamin Britten

Britten was, and remains to this day, the last great British composer. His skill and ingenuity, especially as a vocal composer, brought him international recognition comparable to that of Elgar. Among his best works is the opera Peter Grimes (1945), an orchestral work "The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, 1946) and a large orchestral and choral work “War Requiem” (War Requiem, 1961) based on poems by Wilfred Owen. One of the main themes of Britten's work - protest against violence, war, affirmation of the value of the fragile and unprotected human world - received its highest expression in "War Requiem" (1961). Britten spoke about what led him to the War Requiem: “I thought a lot about my friends who died in the two world wars. I will not claim that this essay is written in heroic tones. There is a lot of regret about the terrible past. But that is precisely why Requiem is addressed to the future. Seeing examples of the terrible past, we must prevent such catastrophes as wars.” Britten was not a big fan of the “English traditionalism” characteristic of composers of the previous generation, although he arranged folk songs for his partner, tenor Peter Pears. Neither in his early years nor in the later stages of his creative evolution did Britten set himself the task of pioneering new techniques composition or theoretical justification for its individual style. Unlike many of his peers, Britten was never carried away by the pursuit of the “newest,” nor did he try to find support in the established methods of composition inherited from the masters of previous generations. He is guided, first of all, by the free flight of imagination, fantasy, realistic expediency, and not by belonging to one of the many “schools” of our century. Britten valued creative sincerity more than scholastic dogma, no matter how ultra-modern it was dressed up. He allowed all the winds of the era to penetrate into his creative laboratory, penetrate, but do not dispose of it.

Britten. "Young People's Guide to the Orchestra"

Since Britten was laid to rest in Aldborough, Suffolk, in 1976, British classical music has struggled to maintain its illustrious reputation. John Taverner, a direct descendant of the 16th-century composer John Taverner, and Peter Maxwell Davies create works that have been favorably received by critics, but nothing truly outstanding has yet appeared. Classical music occupies a certain niche in British culture, but perhaps not as large as its fans would like. It appears in television advertisements and at various sporting events, and ordinary Britons may well watch the final evening of the “proms” on television (if there is nothing else interesting), but in reality classical music listened to by a very small part of the nation, mainly middle class. Respectable music for respectable people.

Materials used from the site: london.ru/velikobritaniya/muzika-v-velik obritanii

What would our life be like without music? For many years, people have asked themselves this question and come to the conclusion that without the beautiful sounds of music, the world would be a very different place. Music helps us feel joy more fully, find our inner self and cope with difficulties. Composers, working on their works, were inspired by the most different things: love, nature, war, happiness, sadness and many others. Some of the musical compositions they created will forever remain in the hearts and memories of people. Here is a list of the ten greatest and talented composers during all this time. Under each composer you will find a link to one of his most famous works.

10 PHOTO (VIDEO)

Franz Peter Schubert was an Austrian composer who lived only 32 years, but his music will live on for a very long time. Schubert wrote nine symphonies, about 600 vocal compositions, and a large number of chamber and solo piano music.

"Evening Serenade"

German composer and pianist, author of two serenades, four symphonies, as well as concerts for violin, piano and cello. He performed at concerts from the age of ten, performing for the first time with solo concert at 14 years old. During his lifetime, he gained popularity primarily due to the waltzes and Hungarian dances he wrote.

"Hungarian Dance No. 5".

George Frideric Handel was a German and English composer of the Baroque era; he wrote about 40 operas, many organ concerts, and chamber music. Handel's music has been played at the coronations of English kings since 973, it is also heard at royal wedding ceremonies and is even used as the anthem of the UEFA Champions League (with a small arrangement).

"Music on the water"

Joseph Haydn- a famous and prolific Austrian composer of the classical era, he is called the father of the symphony, as he made significant contributions to the development of this musical genre. Joseph Haydn is the author of 104 symphonies, 50 piano sonatas, 24 operas and 36 concertos

"Symphony No. 45".

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is the most famous Russian composer, author of more than 80 works, including 10 operas, 3 ballets and 7 symphonies. He was very popular and known as a composer during his lifetime, and performed in Russia and abroad as a conductor.

"Waltz of the Flowers" from the ballet "The Nutcracker".

Frédéric François Chopin is a Polish composer who is also considered one of the best pianists of all times. He wrote a lot musical works for piano, including 3 sonatas and 17 waltzes.

"Rain waltz".

Venetian composer and virtuoso violinist Antonio Lucio Vivaldi is the author of more than 500 concertos and 90 operas. He had a huge influence on the development of Italian and world violin art.

"Elf Song"

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is an Austrian composer who amazed the world with his talent with early childhood. Already at the age of five, Mozart was composing short plays. In total, he wrote 626 works, including 50 symphonies and 55 concertos. 9.Beethoven 10.Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach - German composer and organist of the Baroque era, known as a master of polyphony. He is the author of more than 1000 works, which include almost everything significant genres that time.

"Musical joke"

The concept of “composer” first appeared in the 16th century in Italy, and since then it has been used to refer to a person who writes music.

19th century composers

In the 19th century Vienna music school imagined this outstanding composer like Franz Peter Schubert. He continued the traditions of Romanticism and influenced an entire generation of composers. Schubert created more than 600 German romances, taking the genre to a new level.

Franz Peter Schubert

Another Austrian, Johann Strauss, became famous for his operettas and light musical forms dance character. It was he who made the waltz the most popular dance in Vienna, where balls are still held. In addition, his heritage includes polkas, quadrilles, ballets and operettas.

Johann Strauss

A prominent representative of modernism in music of the late 19th century was the German Richard Wagner. His operas have not lost their relevance and popularity to this day.

Giuseppe Verdi

One can contrast Wagner with a majestic figure Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, who remained true to operatic traditions and gave Italian opera new breath.

Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Among the Russian composers of the 19th century, the name of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky stands out. He is characterized by a unique style, combining European symphonic traditions with Glinka's Russian heritage.

Composers of the 20th century

Sergei Vasilyevich Rahmaninov

Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninov is rightfully considered one of the most brilliant composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His musical style was based on the traditions of romanticism and existed in parallel with avant-garde movements. It was for his individuality and lack of analogues that his work was highly appreciated by critics all over the world.

Igor Fedorovich Stravinsky

Second famous composer 20th century - Igor Fedorovich Stravinsky. Russian by origin, he emigrated to France and then the USA, where he showed his talent in full force. Stravinsky is an innovator who is not afraid to experiment with rhythms and styles. His work shows the influence of Russian traditions, elements of various avant-garde movements and a unique individual style, for which he is called “Picasso in music.”

1. Short story English Music
2. Listen to music
3. Prominent representatives of English music
4. About the author of this article

A Brief History of English Music

Origins
Origins English music- in the musical culture of the Celts (the people who lived in the first millennium on the territory of modern England and France), the carriers of which, in particular, were bards (singer-storytellers of the ancient Celtic tribes). Among the instrumental genres are dances: jig, country dance, hornpipe.

6th - 7th centuries
At the end of the 6th century. - early 7th century church is developing choral music, which is associated with the formation of professional art.

11th - 14th centuries
In the 11th-14th centuries. Music spread poetic art minstrels. Minstrel - in the Middle Ages, a professional musician and poet, sometimes a storyteller, who served a feudal lord. In the 2nd half of the 14th century. secularism is developing musical art, vocal and instrumental court chapels are created. In the first half of the 15th century. the English school of polyphonists, led by John Dunstable, emerges

16th century
Composers of the 16th century
K. Tai
D. Taverner
T. Tallis
D. Dowland
D. Bull
The royal court became the center of secular music.

17th century
At the beginning of the 17th century. English musical theater is formed, leading its origins from the mysteries (musically - dramatic genre Middle Ages).

18th-19th centuries
18th–19th centuries – crisis in English national music.
To the national musical culture foreign influences penetrate, Italian opera conquers English audiences.
Prominent foreign musicians worked in England: G. F. Handel, I. K. Bach, J. Haydn (visited 2 times).
In the 19th century, London became one of the centers of European musical life. The following people toured here: F. Chopin, F. Liszt, N. Paganini, G. Berlioz, G. Wagner, G. Verdi, A. Dvorak, P. I. Tchaikovsky, A. K. Glazunov and others. The Covent Theater was created -Garden (1732), Royal Academy of Music (1822), Academy of Ancient Music (1770, first concert society in London)

The turn of the 19th – 20th centuries.
The so-called English musical revival, that is, a movement for the revival of national musical traditions, manifested in an appeal to English musical folklore and the achievements of the masters of the 17th century. These trends characterize the work of the new English school of composition; its prominent representatives are composers E. Elgar, H. Parry, F. Dilius, G. Holst, R. Vaughan Williams, J. Ireland, F. Bridge.

You can listen to music

1. Purcell (Giga)
2. Purcell (Prelude)
3.Purcell (Didonna's Aria)
4.Rolling Stones "Rolling Stones" (Kerol)
5. Beatles "The Beatles" Yesterday

Prominent representatives of English music

G. Purcell(1659-1695)

G. Purcell - largest composer seventeenth century.
At the age of 11, Purcell wrote his first ode dedicated to Charles II. From 1675, Purcell's vocal works were regularly published in various English music collections.
Since the late 1670s. Purcell is the Stuart court musician. 1680s - the heyday of Purcell's creativity. He worked equally successfully in all genres: fantasy for string instruments, music for the theatre, odes - songs of welcome, Purcell's collection of songs "British Orpheus". Many of the melodies of his songs, close to folk tunes, gained popularity and were sung during Purcell’s lifetime.
In 1683 and 1687 Trio collections were published - sonatas for violins and bass. The use of violin works was an innovation that enriched English instrumental music.
The pinnacle of Purcell's work is the opera "Dido and Aeneas" (1689), the first national English opera (based on Virgil's "Aeneid"). This is the biggest phenomenon in the history of English music. Its plot is reworked in the spirit of English folk poetry– the opera is distinguished by the close unity of music and text. Purcell's rich world of images and feelings finds varied expression - from the psychologically profound to the rudely provocative, from the tragic to the humorous. However, the dominant mood of his music is soulful lyricism.
Most of his creations were soon forgotten, and Purcell's works became famous only in the last third of the 19th century. In 1876 The Purcell Society was organized. Interest in his work increased in Great Britain thanks to the activities of B. Britten.

B.E. Britten (1913 - 1976)

One of the greatest masters of English music of the 20th century - Benjamin Britten - composer, pianist and conductor. He started composing music at the age of 8. Since 1929 he has been studying at the Royal music college in London. Already in his youthful works his original melodic gift, imagination, and humor were evident. In his early years, solo vocal and choral works occupied an important place in Britten's work. Britten's individual style is associated with the national English tradition (the study of the creative heritage of Purcell and other English composers of the 16th - 17th centuries). To the number best essays Britten's operas Peter Grimes, A Midsummer Night's Dream and others have gained recognition in England and other countries. In them, Britten appears as a subtle musical playwright - an innovator. “War Requiem” (1962) is a tragic and courageous work dedicated to acute modern problems, condemning militarism and calling for peace. Britten toured the USSR in 1963, 1964, 1971.

Music bands 20th century
"Rolling Stones"

In the spring of 1962, guitarist Brian Jones organized a group whose name was the Rolling Stones. The Rolling Stones consisted of Mick Jagger (vocals), Brian Jones and Keith Richards (guitars), Bill Wyman (bass - guitar) and Charlie Watts (drums).
This group brought hard and energetic music, aggressive performance style and relaxed behavior to the British stage. They neglected stage costumes and wore long hair.
Unlike the Beatles (who aroused sympathy), the Rolling Stones became the embodiment of the enemies of society, which allowed them to gain lasting popularity among young people.

"The Beatles"

In 1956, a vocal and instrumental quartet was created in Liverpool. The group consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison (guitars), Ringo Starr (drums).
The group gained wild popularity by performing songs in the “big beat” style, and from the mid-60s, the Beatles’ songs became more complex.
They were honored to perform in the palace in front of the queen.

About the author of this article

In my work I used the following literature:
- Musical encyclopedic dictionary. Ch. ed. R.V.Keldysh. 1990
- Magazine “Student Meridian”, 1991 Special issue
- Music Encyclopedia, Ch. Ed. Yu.V.Keldysh. 1978
- Modern encyclopedia “Avanta plus” and “Music of our days”, 2002 Ch. ed. V. Volodin.