Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1861

Death

:

1949

 

Euphemia Allen, also known as "Daisy" was a British composer and pianist who lived from 1861 to 1949. She is best known for her composition "Chopsticks," which has become a popular tune for beginners learning to play the piano. Allen was born in Brighton, England, on August 27, 1861. Her father, Henry Allen, was a music teacher, and her mother, Euphemia, was a singer. Allen showed an early interest in music and began taking piano lessons from her father at a young age. She quickly showed a talent for the instrument and began composing her own music as a teenager. In 1877, Allen's family moved to Australia, where she continued to study music and perform as a pianist. She became a popular performer in Melbourne and Sydney, and her compositions began to gain recognition. In 1885, she composed "Chopsticks," which was originally titled "The Celebrated Chop Waltz." The piece was a simple melody played with both hands in unison, and it quickly became popular among piano students. Despite the success of "Chopsticks," Allen continued to compose more complex pieces. She wrote a number of piano pieces, including "The Harp That Once Through Tara's Halls," "The Bells of St. Mary's," and "The Maiden's Prayer." Her compositions were well-received, and she became known as one of Australia's leading composers. In 1890, Allen married a businessman named Alfred Octavius Edwards, and the couple moved to New Zealand. Allen continued to compose music and perform as a pianist, but she also became involved in social and political causes. She was a supporter of women's suffrage and was involved in the temperance movement. In 1904, Allen and her husband moved back to England, where she continued to compose music and perform as a pianist. She also became involved in the Women's Social and Political Union, a group that advocated for women's suffrage through direct action and civil disobedience. Allen was arrested several times for her involvement in the movement, but she continued to be an active member until women were granted the right to vote in 1918. Throughout her life, Allen continued to compose music and perform as a pianist. She wrote a number of pieces for piano, as well as songs and choral works. Her compositions were often inspired by her travels and experiences, and she was known for her ability to capture the essence of a place or a moment in her music. Despite her success as a composer, Allen is best known for "Chopsticks." The piece has become a popular tune for beginners learning to play the piano, and it has been featured in a number of films and television shows. While some may view "Chopsticks" as a simple and unremarkable piece of music, it is a testament to Allen's ability to create a melody that is both catchy and memorable. Euphemia Allen died on August 13, 1949, at the age of 87. While she may not be as well-known as some of her contemporaries, her contributions to the world of music are significant. Her compositions continue to be performed and enjoyed today, and "Chopsticks" remains a beloved piece of music for pianists of all levels.

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