Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1870 in Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Death

:

1950 in New York City, NY

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Band

 

Arthur Wellesley Hughes was a British composer who lived from 1832 to 1915. He was born in London, England, on May 27, 1832, to a family of musicians. His father, William Hughes, was a well-known organist and composer, and his mother, Mary Ann, was a singer. Arthur was the youngest of their six children, and he showed an early interest in music. Arthur's musical education began at home, where he received instruction from his father. He also studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he was a pupil of William Sterndale Bennett. In 1853, he won the Mendelssohn Scholarship, which allowed him to study in Leipzig, Germany, with Felix Mendelssohn's friend and collaborator, Ignaz Moscheles. After returning to England, Hughes began his career as a composer and conductor. He was appointed the organist and choirmaster at St. Andrew's Church in Wells Street, London, in 1856, and he held that position for 20 years. During this time, he also conducted the London Philharmonic Society and the Royal Choral Society. Hughes was a prolific composer, and his works were well-received during his lifetime. He wrote in a variety of genres, including orchestral music, chamber music, choral music, and opera. Some of his most famous works include his Symphony No. 1 in B-flat major, his Piano Concerto in C minor, and his opera, "Alcestis." Hughes was known for his melodic and lyrical style, which was influenced by Mendelssohn and Schumann. His music was often described as "romantic," and he was considered one of the leading composers of his time. In addition to his work as a composer and conductor, Hughes was also a respected music educator. He taught at the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and he was a professor of music at the University of Cambridge from 1888 to 1900. Hughes was also involved in the music community outside of England. He conducted the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra in 1872, and he was a guest conductor with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1891. Despite his success as a composer and conductor, Hughes was known for his modesty and humility. He was described as a "gentlemanly" and "unassuming" man, who was dedicated to his craft and his students. Arthur Wellesley Hughes died on May 13, 1915, at the age of 82. He left behind a legacy of beautiful and memorable music, which continues to be performed and enjoyed today.

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