Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

December 31, 1894 in Heston, Middlesex, England

Death

:

December 1, 1950 in Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Orchestral

 

Ernest John Moeran, commonly known as E.J. Moeran, was a British composer who made significant contributions to the classical music genre. Born on December 31, 1894, in Heston, Middlesex, Moeran was the son of a clergyman. His mother was a talented amateur musician who played the piano and sang in the church choir. Moeran's early exposure to music through his mother's influence sparked his interest in the art form, and he began composing at a young age. Moeran's family moved to Norfolk when he was six years old, and it was there that he received his formal education. He attended Uppingham School in Rutland, where he was introduced to the works of composers such as Elgar, Vaughan Williams, and Delius. Moeran's interest in music continued to grow, and he began to take piano lessons and study music theory. In 1913, Moeran enrolled at the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied composition under Charles Villiers Stanford. However, his studies were interrupted by the outbreak of World War I, and he joined the British Army in 1914. Moeran served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and was stationed in the Mediterranean. He was injured in 1917 and was sent back to England to recover. After the war, Moeran returned to the Royal College of Music to complete his studies. He graduated in 1921 and began working as a freelance composer. Moeran's early works were heavily influenced by the English pastoral tradition, and he was often compared to composers such as Vaughan Williams and Holst. His first major work, the Rhapsody No. 1 for Orchestra, was premiered in 1922 and received critical acclaim. Moeran's career as a composer was interrupted again by World War II. He joined the British Army in 1939 and served in France and Belgium. Moeran was captured by the Germans in 1940 and spent the next four years as a prisoner of war. During his captivity, he continued to compose and even wrote a string quartet that was smuggled out of the camp. After the war, Moeran returned to England and resumed his career as a composer. He continued to write music in the pastoral tradition but also began to incorporate elements of Irish folk music into his works. Moeran had a deep love for Ireland, and he spent much of his time there, living in a cottage in County Kerry. Moeran's most famous works include his Symphony in G minor, which was premiered in 1937, and his Violin Concerto, which was completed in 1942. The Symphony in G minor is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Moeran's skill as a composer. The Violin Concerto is a virtuosic piece that is considered one of the finest works in the genre. Moeran's other notable works include his two Rhapsodies for Orchestra, his Sinfonietta, and his Piano Concerto. He also wrote a number of chamber works, including his String Quartet in A minor and his Sonata for Two Violins. Moeran's music is characterized by its lyricism, its use of folk melodies, and its pastoral themes. His works are often compared to those of Vaughan Williams and Holst, but Moeran's music has a unique voice that sets it apart from his contemporaries. Moeran's personal life was marked by tragedy. He suffered from alcoholism and depression, and his marriage ended in divorce. Moeran died in 1950 at the age of 55, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful and powerful music. In conclusion, E.J. Moeran was a British composer who made significant contributions to the classical music genre.

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