Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

1903 in Bristol, Avon, England

Death

:

1989

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Band

 

Eric Ball was a British composer and conductor who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on October 31, 1903, in Kingswood, Bristol, Ball was the son of a Salvation Army officer. His father's profession had a significant impact on his musical career, as he was exposed to brass band music from a young age. Ball's father was also a composer, and he encouraged his son to pursue music as a career. Ball began his musical education at the age of six, learning to play the cornet. He quickly showed a talent for the instrument and joined the Salvation Army band in Bristol. By the age of 14, Ball had become the principal cornet player in the band, and he began to compose his own music. He also studied music theory and composition with the Salvation Army's music director, George Marshall. In 1920, Ball joined the staff of the Salvation Army's music department in London. He continued to compose music and became a prolific composer of brass band music. His compositions were well-received, and he won several awards for his work. In 1933, Ball was appointed the music editor of the Salvation Army's magazine, The War Cry. He held this position for 20 years and used it to promote the work of other composers as well as his own. Ball's compositions for brass band include several notable works. His most famous piece is probably his test piece for the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, Resurgam. This piece, which means "I shall rise again" in Latin, was first performed in 1950 and has since become a staple of the brass band repertoire. Other notable works include his suite for brass band, The Kingdom Triumphant, and his tone poem, The Wayfarer. In addition to his work for brass band, Ball also composed music for orchestra, choir, and organ. His choral works include several hymn arrangements and anthems, such as his setting of the hymn tune "St. Magnus" and his anthem "The Pilgrim's Progress." He also composed several works for organ, including his Prelude on "Lavenham" and his Toccata on "Vom Himmel Hoch." Ball was also a respected conductor, and he conducted many of his own compositions as well as works by other composers. He was the conductor of the International Staff Band of the Salvation Army from 1947 to 1953 and again from 1956 to 1961. He also conducted the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and the London Symphony Orchestra. Ball's contributions to the world of classical music were recognized with several awards and honors. In 1953, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his services to music. He was also awarded the Freedom of the City of London in 1961. In 1974, he was awarded the International Award of Merit in Music by the American Bandmasters Association. Eric Ball died on September 1, 1989, at the age of 85. His legacy lives on through his compositions, which continue to be performed by brass bands and other ensembles around the world. His contributions to the world of classical music, particularly in the field of brass band music, have been significant, and he is remembered as one of the most important composers and conductors of his time.

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