Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

April 29, 1875 in Bayswater

Death

:

February 5, 1917

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Paul Alfred Rubens was a British composer and songwriter who was born on March 29, 1875, in London, England. He was the son of a German father and an English mother, and he grew up in a musical family. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a singer, so it was no surprise that Rubens showed an early interest in music. Rubens began his musical education at the age of six, when he started taking piano lessons. He showed a natural talent for the instrument, and by the age of ten, he was already composing his own music. He continued his studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied composition under Frederick Corder. Rubens' early works were mainly songs and piano pieces, but he soon began to write for the stage. His first musical, "The Little Michus," was produced in London in 1905, and it was a huge success. The show ran for over 400 performances, and it established Rubens as a major force in British musical theater. Over the next few years, Rubens continued to write successful musicals, including "The Dairymaids," "The Balkan Princess," and "The Sunshine Girl." His music was known for its catchy melodies and witty lyrics, and he became one of the most popular composers of his time. In 1914, Rubens moved to the United States, where he continued to write for the stage. His first American musical, "The Whirl of Society," was produced in New York in 1915, and it was another hit. Rubens' success continued throughout the 1910s and 1920s, with shows like "The Blue Paradise," "The Passing Show of 1918," and "The Midnight Rounders." Rubens' music was also popular in Europe, and he wrote several successful shows for the London stage during this time, including "The Bing Boys Are Here" and "The Shop Girl." He also wrote music for films, including the 1929 movie "The Vagabond Queen." Rubens' career slowed down in the 1930s, as the popularity of musical theater began to wane. He continued to write music, but he was no longer the major force he had been in the past. He died on February 5, 1917, at the age of 61. Despite his decline in popularity, Rubens' music remains popular today, and his songs have been recorded by many artists over the years. His catchy melodies and witty lyrics continue to entertain audiences, and his contributions to the world of musical theater will not be forgotten.

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