Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

August 9, 1875 in Birmingham, England

Death

:

November 26, 1959 in Isle of Wight, England

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Orchestral

 

Albert William Ketèlbey was a British composer, conductor, and pianist who was born on August 9, 1875, in Birmingham, England. He was the son of a piano teacher and began his musical education at an early age. He showed a natural talent for music and was soon composing his own pieces. Ketèlbey studied at Trinity College of Music in London, where he won several prizes for his compositions. He also studied at the Royal Academy of Music, where he was a pupil of Frederick Corder. Ketèlbey's early works were influenced by the Romantic composers of the time, such as Tchaikovsky and Wagner. In 1900, Ketèlbey became the conductor of the Vaudeville Theatre in London, where he composed music for the theatre. He also worked as a conductor for several other theatres in London, including the Palace Theatre and the Hippodrome. During this time, he composed several popular songs, including "In a Monastery Garden" and "Bells Across the Meadows." Ketèlbey's music was very popular during the early 20th century, and he became known as the "King of Light Music." His compositions were often inspired by exotic locations and cultures, and he was known for his use of unusual instruments, such as the xylophone and the glockenspiel. One of Ketèlbey's most famous works is "In a Persian Market," which was composed in 1920. The piece is a musical depiction of a bustling market in Persia, and it features a variety of exotic instruments, including a tambourine, a triangle, and a cymbal. The piece was an instant success and has remained popular to this day. Another of Ketèlbey's famous works is "The Phantom Melody," which was composed in 1913. The piece is a musical depiction of a ghostly melody that haunts a young woman. The piece features a haunting melody played on the violin, which is accompanied by a variety of other instruments. Ketèlbey's other notable works include "In a Chinese Temple Garden," "Sanctuary of the Heart," and "Wedgwood Blue." His music was often used in films and television shows, and his compositions have been recorded by many famous orchestras and conductors. Ketèlbey continued to compose music throughout his life, and he died on November 26, 1959, in Cowes, Isle of Wight, England. His legacy as a composer of light music has continued to this day, and his music remains popular with audiences around the world.

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