Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

January 23, 1878 in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England

Death

:

January 25, 1960 in London, England

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Opera

 

 

Symphony

 

Rutland Boughton was a British composer who was born on January 23, 1878, in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. He was the son of a grocer and was the youngest of six children. Boughton showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at a young age. He later studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he was a student of Frederick Corder. Boughton's early compositions were influenced by the Romantic style of music, and he was particularly drawn to the works of Richard Wagner. He also had a strong interest in folk music, and he traveled extensively throughout England and Scotland to collect traditional songs and tunes. This interest in folk music would later become a major influence on his compositions. In 1903, Boughton founded the Glastonbury Festivals, which were held annually in the town of Glastonbury in Somerset. The festivals were intended to promote the performance of new music, and they quickly became a major event in the British music calendar. Boughton's own compositions were often premiered at the festivals, and he became known as one of the leading composers of his generation. Boughton's most famous work is his opera, "The Immortal Hour," which was first performed in 1914. The opera is based on a play by Fiona Macleod and tells the story of a mortal man who falls in love with a fairy queen. The opera was a huge success and was performed throughout Europe and the United States. It remains one of Boughton's most popular works to this day. Boughton was also known for his choral music, and he wrote a number of works for choir and orchestra. His "Bethlehem" cantata, which was first performed in 1915, is still performed regularly at Christmas time. Boughton's other choral works include "The Birth of Arthur," "The Queen of Cornwall," and "The Round Table." In addition to his work as a composer, Boughton was also a conductor and a teacher. He conducted the first performance of Gustav Holst's "The Planets" in 1918 and was a professor of composition at the Royal Academy of Music from 1926 to 1939. He also founded the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in 1913 and was its musical director for many years. Boughton's later years were marked by financial difficulties and declining health. He suffered a stroke in 1943 and was forced to retire from his teaching position at the Royal Academy of Music. He died on January 25, 1960, at the age of 82. Despite his financial struggles and declining health, Rutland Boughton remained a prolific composer throughout his life. His music was deeply influenced by his interest in folk music and his love of the English countryside. His works continue to be performed and recorded today, and he is remembered as one of the most important British composers of the early 20th century.

More....