English composers and their brief biography. Music of English composers, works, famous English composers

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

A Brief History of English Music

origins
  The origins of English music are in the musical culture of the Celts (the people who lived in the first millennium on the territory of modern England and France), the bearers of which, in particular, were bards (singers-narrators of ancient Celtic tribes). Among the instrumental genres are dances: giga, country dance, hornpipe.

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

11th - 14th centuries
  In 11-14c. Spread musically poetic art minstrels. Minstrel - in the Middle Ages professional musician and a poet, sometimes a storyteller, who served with a feudal lord. In the second half of the 14th century. secular musical art, vocal and instrumental court chapels are created. In the first half of the 15th century the English school of polyphonists, headed by John Dunstable, is promoted

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

17th century
 Early 17th century English musical theater is being formed, leading its origin from the mysteries (musically - dramatic genre Middle Ages).

18-19 centuries
  18-19th century - a crisis in English national music.
 Foreign influences penetrate into the national musical culture, Italian opera conquers the English audience.
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. Here toured: F. Chopin, F. Liszt, N. Paganini, G. Berlioz, G. Wagner, J. Verdi, A. Dvorak, P. I. Tchaikovsky, A. K. Glazunov and others. Garden" (1732), Royal Academy of Music (1822), Academy early music(1770, first concert society in London)

The turn of the 19th - 20th centuries.
  The so-called English musical revival, that is, the movement for the revival of national musical traditions manifested in the use of English musical folklore and the achievements of the masters of the 17th century. These tendencies characterize the work of the New English composer school; 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 (Gig)
2. Purcell (Prelude)
3.Purcell (Aria of Didonna)
4.Rolling Stones "Rolling Stones" (Kerol)
5. The Beatles "The Beatles" Yesterday

Outstanding representatives of English music

G. Purcell (1659-1695)

  G. Purcell - the largest composer of the seventeenth century.
  At the age of 11, Purcell wrote the first ode dedicated to Charles II. Since 1675 in various English music collections Purcell's vocal works were regularly published.
  Since the end of the 1670s. Purcell is the court musician of the Stuarts. 1680s - the heyday of Purcell's work. He worked equally well in all genres: fantasy for string instruments, music for the theater, odes - welcome songs, Purcell's songbook "British Orpheus". Many of the melodies of his songs, close to folk melodies, 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 compositions 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 largest phenomenon in the history of English music. Its plot is reworked in the spirit of English folk poetry Opera is distinguished by the close unity of music and text. The rich world of Purcell's images and feelings finds a variety of expressions - from the psychologically profound to the rudely perky, from the tragic to the humorous. However, the dominant mood of his music is penetrating lyricism.
 Most of his writings were soon forgotten, and Purcell's writings gained notoriety only in the last third of the 19th century. In 1876 The Purcell Society was organized. Interest in his work increased in the UK 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. Started composing music at the age of 8. Since 1929 he has been studying at the Royal College of Music in London. Already in youthful works manifested his original melodic gift, fantasy, humor. IN early years An important place in Britten's work is occupied by solo vocal and choral compositions. Britten's individual style is associated with the national English tradition(studying creative heritage Purcell and other English composers of the 16th - 17th centuries). To the number the best essays Britten, which received recognition in England and other countries, belong to the operas "Peter Grimes", "Dream in midsummer night" and others. In them, Britten appears as a subtle musical playwright - an innovator. "War Requiem" (1962) - a tragic and courageous work dedicated to acute contemporary issues 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 formed a band called the Rolling Stones. The Rolling Stones included Mick Jagger (vocals), Brian Jones and Keith Richards (guitars), Bill Wyman (bass) and Charlie Watts (drums).
  This band brought to the British scene hard and energetic music, aggressive style of performance and uninhibited behavior. They neglected stage costumes, wore long hair.
 Unlike the Beatles (who evoked sympathy), the Rolling Stones became the embodiment of the enemies of society, which made it possible to gain enduring popularity among young people.

The Beatles

  In 1956 a vocal-instrumental quartet was created in Liverpool. The band consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison (guitars), Ringo Starr(drums).
  The team gained wild popularity by performing songs in the style of "big - beat", and since the mid-60s, the songs of the Beatles have become 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:
- Music 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.

As ironic as it may sound, we must recognize the validity of the statement that England is a country where the audience is very musical, but there are no musicians!

This problem is all the more interesting because we know very well how high musical culture England in the era of Queen Elizabeth. Where did the musicians and composers disappear to in England of the 18th-19th centuries?

It is not difficult to give a superficial answer. Great Britain was engaged in trade, acquired colonies, carried out gigantic financial operations, created industry, fought for the constitution, played a chess game on a huge board the globe- and she didn't have time to mess around with the music.

The answer is tempting, but not true. After all, this same England gave mankind great poets: Byron, Shelley, Burns, Coleridge, Browning, Crabbe, Keats, Tennyson, but can you name all those on this list of fame; Merchant England produced excellent artists: Hogarth, Constable and Turner. The size of the chapter does not allow us to give here the names of all the masters of prose in England of the 18th-19th centuries. We will only mention Defoe, Fielding, Stern, Goldsmith, Walter Scott, Dickens, Thackeray, Stevenson, Meredith, Hardy, Lamb, Ruskin, Carlyle.

So the above argument is invalid. It turns out that merchant England was at its best in all forms of art, with the exception of music.

Perhaps we will come closer to the truth if we follow the train of thought of the musicologist Goddard. In The Music of Britain in Our Time, he writes: “English music lives first in admiration from Handel, then from Haydn, in Victorian era this admiration was replaced by the adoration of Mendelssohn, and this adoration made Mendelssohn's compositions not only the criterion, but the only nutrient medium of music. There simply was no organization, association or class that would be inclined to support English music.

Although this explanation sounds somewhat crude and unlikely, nevertheless, if you think about it carefully, it is quite acceptable. The English aristocracy, as is well known, exclusively out of snobbery demanded Italian conductors and singers, French dancers, German composers, because it did not consider listening to their musicians to be a secular business, just as they traveled not to Scotland or Ireland, but to Italy or Spain. , in the African jungle or in ice world fjords. Thus, national English music could be heard only when the rising and victorious bourgeoisie felt strong enough not to imitate in the field of theater, music, opera. high society”, and go where her mind, heart and taste lead her. But why was the English bourgeoisie able to find literature and poetry to its liking, and why did this not happen with music?

Yes, because the rising bourgeois brought with him the ideals of the Puritans, and with pious horror denied the brilliance of the opera stage, as if it were a phenomenon born at the instigation of the devil. The 19th century had to come with its rationalism, freer thinking, more distant from religion, more secular and, one might say, high-society outlook on life, so that the English bourgeois would turn to music, so that an era would come that ensures the right to a life full of perky dances. , sparkling with cheerful laughter of the opera-buffa Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900), to awaken the understanding of the cantatas of Hubert Parry (1848-1924), opened Edward Elgar oratorios: "Apostles", "Light of Christ", "King Olaf", "Dreams of Gerontius". Elgar is already smiling popularity and recognition. He is the court musician of the king. As many awards are pouring on him alone, as many famous people in the history of music have not received. English musicians from the Renaissance to the present day.

But the influence of the music of the continent is still strong. So, following in the footsteps of Elgar Frederick Delius(1863-1934) studies in Leipzig and is freed from the influence of Mendelssohn by Paris, where he meets Strindberg and Gauguin and, perhaps, meant even more for him than meeting these great people, this is a meeting with the city itself on the banks of the Seine , With French people, with Gallic wit.

Delius wrote the following operas: Coanga (1904), Rural Romeo and Juliet (1907), Fennimore and Gerda (1909).

Delius lived in a French milieu and, despite a respectable desire for creative freedom, could not completely free himself from the influence of the music of the continent.

The first real English 19th composer century was Ralph Vaughan Williams(1872), singer of English nature, English people, connoisseur of English song folklore. He refers to old poet Banyan and to composer XVI Tellis century. He writes a symphony about the sea and about London. draws musical portrait Tudors, but most willingly makes English folk songs sound.

In the camp of English composers of the 19th century, he has a special place, not only because of his excellent technique, amazing taste and fruitfulness, but also because he has such qualities that were given only to Dickens or Mark Twain: he knows how to smile condescendingly, somewhat ironically, squinting his eyes, but humanly, as the above-mentioned great writers did.

For the stage, he wrote the following works:

The Pretty Shepherds, The Mountains (1922), Hugh the Driver (1924), Sir John in Love (1929), The Service (1930), The Poisoned Kiss (1936), The Sea Robbers (1937), Pilgrim's Success (1951).

Contemporaries of Vaughan Williams, English musicians-innovators, are trying to develop the style of a new English opera. There is no shortage of traditions: composers of this era revive the traditions of old ballad operas, resurrect the spirit of Gay and Pepush: they mix lofty feelings with burlesque, pathos with irony; but most of all I am inspired by English poetry - a treasury of poetic beauties, the world of thoughts.

From among the English composers late XIX- the beginning of the 20th century, we will only mention those who contributed to the formation of modern stage music.

Arnold Bax (1883-1953) became famous as a composer of ballets.
William Walton (1902) conquers big success opera "Troilus and Cressida" (1954).
Arthur Bliss (1891) attracted attention with an opera based on a libretto by Priestley, The Olympians (1949).
Eugene Goossens (1893-1963) spoke in English opera stage with the opera Judith (1929) and Don Juan de Manara (1937).

But worldwide success was brought to the English opera by the works of Benjamin Britten.

English composers, like many others, gave us something wonderful - music. Of course, many composers other than English ones have done this, but now we will talk about English ones. Their music has a certain charm, and each composer has his own special approach to works.

The beginning of the development of music in England

Until the 4th century, England, from the point of view of art historians, was considered one of the most "least musical" countries. Based on this fact, we can say that the works of English composers classical music, and in other respects any other, did not seem to connoisseurs of beauty to be something noteworthy and reverence. But even despite the opinion of skeptics and art historians, England had and has great and talented composers, whose names are known to everyone, and melodies and works are valued not only in the country itself, but also abroad.

The first fame of composers of those times

Famous English composers began to appear and become famous somewhere in X-XV centuries. Of course, music appeared there much earlier, but the works were not very famous, and the names of composers have not survived to this day, just like their works. English composers of classical music first appeared and became somewhat famous in the 11th century. The first works appeared almost in the same period as the European ones. English composers of classical music conveyed stories about Celtic or simply military campaigns in their works. The works described the life of ordinary, or not quite, people living or having any connection with the Celtic islands and tribes.

After the adoption of Christianity, at the end of the 6th century, English composers of classical music began to actively develop their skills in the field of music, using church themes for this, and a little later, at the beginning and middle of the 7th century, domestic and state ones. Thus, it becomes clear that English music was dedicated to religion and the various military merits of the country.

The popularity of English classical composers in modern times

As you can see, music composers were not very popular in the fifth and seventh centuries, but how much of such composers are preferred now? Of course, in our time, they do not pay due attention to such music and often the latest musical novelties happen instead of the works of great composers. But the music of famous English composers can be heard in our time - in opera houses or just finding beauty musical phenomenon in the Internet. Today you will get acquainted with some of the most famous composers, whose works are known in many countries and on many continents. The music of English composers, of course, is widespread in England itself and abroad, but does not have such a large number of admirers as then.

Who is Edward Benjamin Britten?

Benjamin Britten is a British composer of classical English music born in the 20th century. Benjamin was born in 1913 in Lowestoft. Benjamin is not only a composer, but also an excellent musician, namely a conductor and professional pianist. He also tried many musical directions as a composer, his repertoire included vocal and piano pieces and opera performances. By the way, it was the third repertoire that became one of his most basic. Like any other famous composer, Edward Benjamin Britten has many different masterpieces behind him. opera music and plays.

The plays of Benjamin Britten and his popularity

The most famous play that is staged in theaters in our time is Noah's Ark. Judging by the title, and also by the plot of the play, it is easy to understand that the title itself confirms the fact that many works written before the 20th century and at its beginning often had a religious theme. Speaking of Benjamin, it is impossible not to mention his significance among composers of the mid-twentieth century. He was the most famous composer of the 20th century, one might even say that it was he who exalted the significance and beauty of English musical masterpieces"to heaven". After Edward's death for a long time England "did not see" such talents.

Who is Gustav Holst?

Gustav Holst is one of the most famous English composers of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Gustav was born in 1830 and to this day he has retained his popularity, and his creations are still famous for lovers of beauty. The symphonies and melodies of Gustav Holst are now not uncommon, they are very easy to get in our time: there are many works on the Internet in in electronic format, and to purchase a disc with a collection of works by the great master is as easy as shelling pears.

Plays and works of Gustav Holst, their role in cultural institutions

You will say: “He was great and talented, but is he popular and are his creations popular now?” It is impossible to give an unambiguous answer to your question, because, like any musician, and especially the famous English composer of those times, he did not remain a favorite of the public, and people preferred musical novelties to his works. And no matter how famous and beloved by the public Gustav may be, in our time, few will remember his name. But it is impossible not to include him in our list, because once his example was an ideal for beginning English composers who dream of world fame and fame.

In conclusion, I would like to say that although English classical composers and their music are not currently successful and almost no one prefers such a magnificent genre as classical, genres, works and their authors still have admirers, the number of which is incredibly great for beginners and Not only classical composers. And remember: the classic is eternal and unchanging, because what it has remained for many centuries is the same now.

What would our life be like without music? For years, people have been asking themselves this question and coming to the conclusion that without the beautiful sounds of music, the world would be a very different place. Music helps us to experience joy more fully, to find our inner self and to 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 ones they created musical compositions will forever remain in the hearts and memory of people. Here is a list of the ten greatest and most talented composers of all time. Under each of the composers you will find a link to one of his most famous works.

10 PHOTOS (VIDEO)

Franz Peter Schubert - 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, and concertos for violin, piano and cello. He performed at concerts from the age of ten, first performed with solo concert at 14 years old. During his lifetime, he gained popularity primarily thanks to the waltzes and Hungarian dances he wrote.

"Hungarian Dance No. 5".

Georg Friedrich Handel - German and English composer of the Baroque era, he wrote about 40 operas, many organ concertos, as well as chamber music. Handel's music played at the coronation English kings, since 973, it has also been played at royal weddings and 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, since he made a significant contribution 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, the 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, performed in Russia and abroad as a conductor.

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

Frederic Francois 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".

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

"Elven 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 small pieces. 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 all significant genres that time.

"Musical Joke"