Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

October 7, 1888 in Tongland, Kirkcudbright

Death

:

April 26, 1918 in Sommes, France

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Cecil Coles was a British composer who lived from 1888 to 1918. He was born in Gateshead, England, and showed an early interest in music. His parents were both amateur musicians, and they encouraged him to pursue his passion for music. Coles began his musical education at the age of six, when he started taking piano lessons. He quickly showed a talent for the instrument, and by the age of ten, he was playing in public concerts. He also began composing his own music at a young age, and his first published work, a piano piece called "The Brook," was published when he was just 14 years old. In 1906, Coles entered the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied composition with Charles Villiers Stanford. He also studied conducting with Henry Wood, who would later become famous for founding the Proms concerts in London. Coles was a talented student, and he won several prizes and awards during his time at the college. After graduating from the Royal College of Music in 1910, Coles began working as a freelance composer and conductor. He wrote music for a variety of ensembles, including orchestras, choirs, and chamber groups. He also conducted several orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Coles' music was influenced by a variety of styles, including Romanticism, Impressionism, and folk music. He was particularly interested in the music of Russia, and he incorporated elements of Russian music into many of his compositions. He was also interested in the music of his native North East England, and he wrote several pieces that were inspired by the folk music of the region. One of Coles' most famous works is his "Behind the Lines" suite, which was written in 1916 during World War I. The suite is a collection of five pieces for orchestra, and it was inspired by Coles' experiences as a soldier in the war. The music is dramatic and emotional, and it captures the horror and tragedy of the war. Another notable work by Coles is his "Ballade for Cello and Orchestra," which was written in 1917. The piece is a beautiful and lyrical work that showcases Coles' talent for melody and harmony. It is considered one of his finest works, and it is still performed today by cellists around the world. Sadly, Coles' career was cut short when he was killed in action during World War I in 1918. He was serving as a lieutenant in the British Army, and he was killed by a sniper while leading his men in an attack on a German position. He was just 30 years old at the time of his death. Despite his short career, Coles left behind a legacy of beautiful and inspiring music. His works are still performed and recorded today, and they continue to inspire musicians and audiences around the world.

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