Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

July 4, 1910 in Cardiff, Wales

Death

:

March 28, 1963 in Greenwich, CT

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Orchestral

 

Alec Templeton was a British composer, pianist, and radio personality who was born on July 4, 1909, in Cardiff, Wales. He was the youngest of three children born to a musical family. His father was a violinist and his mother was a pianist. Alec showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of three. He was a prodigious talent and gave his first public performance at the age of six. Templeton's family moved to London when he was a child, and he began studying at the Royal Academy of Music at the age of 12. He was a gifted student and won numerous awards and scholarships during his time at the academy. He also began performing professionally as a pianist, playing in concerts and on the radio. In the 1930s, Templeton became a popular radio personality in Britain, hosting a program called "Music Hall" that featured his own arrangements of popular songs and classical pieces. He also began composing his own music, including works for piano, orchestra, and chamber ensembles. His compositions were often playful and whimsical, reflecting his love of jazz and popular music. During World War II, Templeton served in the British Army and entertained troops with his music. After the war, he moved to the United States and became a citizen in 1955. He continued to perform and compose music, and also became a popular radio and television personality in the US. He hosted a program called "The Alec Templeton Show" on NBC radio, and later appeared on television shows such as "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Tonight Show." Templeton's compositions continued to be popular in the US, and he wrote music for films and television shows. He also wrote a number of works for piano, including his "Pocket-Size Sonata" and "Bach Goes to Town," which combined classical themes with jazz and popular music styles. In addition to his work as a composer and performer, Templeton was also a respected music educator. He taught at the Juilliard School in New York City and at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He also wrote several books on music, including "Alec Templeton's Music Business" and "Alec Templeton's Musical World." Templeton died on March 28, 1963, at the age of 53. He left behind a legacy of music that continues to be enjoyed by audiences around the world. His compositions are known for their wit, charm, and playful spirit, and his performances as a pianist and radio personality were beloved by millions. He remains an important figure in the history of classical music and popular culture.

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