Role

:

Composer Conductor Performer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

October 21, 1921 in Northampton, England

Death

:

September 23, 2006 in Norwich, England

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Symphony

 

Malcolm Arnold was a British composer and conductor who was born on October 21, 1921, in Northampton, England. He was the youngest of five children and grew up in a musical family. His father played the trumpet and his mother was a pianist. Arnold began playing the trumpet at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Arnold attended the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied composition with Gordon Jacob and trumpet with Ernest Hall. He graduated in 1941 and joined the London Philharmonic Orchestra as a trumpet player. During World War II, Arnold served in the British Army and played in military bands. After the war, Arnold began to focus on composing. His first major success came in 1948 with his Symphony No. 1, which was premiered by the London Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Sir Adrian Boult. The symphony was well-received and established Arnold as a promising young composer. Arnold went on to compose a wide variety of works, including symphonies, concertos, ballets, and film scores. He was a prolific composer, with over 130 works to his name. Some of his most famous works include his Symphony No. 5, his Concerto for Two Pianos, and his film scores for The Bridge on the River Kwai and The Inn of the Sixth Happiness. Arnold's music is known for its energy, wit, and accessibility. He was influenced by a wide range of musical styles, including jazz, folk music, and classical music from various periods. His music often features catchy melodies, lively rhythms, and colorful orchestration. In addition to his work as a composer, Arnold was also a respected conductor. He conducted many of his own works as well as those of other composers. He held conducting positions with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Arnold's personal life was marked by struggles with alcoholism and depression. He was married three times and had five children. He died on September 23, 2006, at the age of 84. Despite his personal struggles, Arnold's music continues to be popular and widely performed. His contributions to British music were recognized with numerous awards, including a knighthood in 1993. He remains one of the most important British composers of the 20th century.

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