Role

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Composer Conductor  

Genre

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Band

 

 

Opera

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Harry Mortimer was a renowned British cornet player, conductor, and composer who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was born on April 10, 1902, in Great Lever, Bolton, Lancashire, England, to a family of musicians. His father, Fred Mortimer, was a cornet player and conductor, and his mother, Sarah, was a pianist. Harry Mortimer's musical journey began at a young age, and he quickly showed a natural talent for playing the cornet. Mortimer's father was his first music teacher, and he began playing in local brass bands at the age of nine. He joined the Farnworth and Walkden Band in 1912, where he played alongside his father. Mortimer's talent was soon recognized, and he was appointed principal cornet player of the band at the age of 13. He continued to play with the band until 1920 when he joined the St. Hilda's Colliery Band. In 1921, Mortimer joined the famous Foden's Motor Works Band, where he played alongside other renowned musicians such as Edwin Firth and William Halliwell. He quickly established himself as one of the best cornet players in the band and won several solo competitions. Mortimer's talent and dedication to music led him to become the band's conductor in 1936, a position he held until 1952. Mortimer's career as a conductor and composer began in the 1930s. He composed several pieces for brass bands, including "Euphonium Concerto," "Concertino for Trombone," and "Scherzo for Brass Band." He also conducted several orchestras, including the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. One of Mortimer's most significant achievements was his role in the formation of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. In 1949, he founded the band with the aim of providing young musicians with the opportunity to develop their skills and perform at a high level. Mortimer served as the band's conductor until 1968, and during his tenure, the band became one of the most prestigious youth brass bands in the world. Mortimer's contributions to the world of classical music were recognized with several awards and honors. In 1953, he was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his services to music. He was also awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1967 and was made a Knight Bachelor in 1985. Mortimer's legacy in the world of classical music continues to this day. His compositions for brass bands are still performed and recorded, and his contributions to the development of youth brass bands have had a lasting impact on the world of music. Harry Mortimer passed away on February 23, 1992, at the age of 89, but his music and his influence on the world of classical music will always be remembered.

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