Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

December 26, 1901

Death

:

March 11, 1947

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Symphony

 

 

Vocal

 

Victor Hely-Hutchinson was a British composer, conductor, and pianist who was born on December 28, 1901, in Cape Town, South Africa. He was the son of Sir Walter Hely-Hutchinson, the Governor of the Cape Colony, and Lady Hely-Hutchinson. Victor's family was well-connected and influential, and he grew up in a privileged environment that allowed him to pursue his musical interests. Victor showed an early aptitude for music and began taking piano lessons at a young age. He was a gifted pianist and won several awards and scholarships that allowed him to study music in Europe. In 1920, he enrolled at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied composition with Frederick Corder and piano with Tobias Matthay. After completing his studies, Victor began his career as a composer and conductor. He composed music for a variety of genres, including orchestral works, chamber music, choral music, and film scores. He also conducted several orchestras, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. One of Victor's most famous works is his Carol Symphony, which he composed in 1927. The symphony is a collection of Christmas carols arranged in a symphonic style, and it has become a popular piece of music during the holiday season. The Carol Symphony was first performed in 1928 by the London Symphony Orchestra, and it has since been performed by orchestras around the world. Another notable work by Victor is his Ode to the West Wind, which he composed in 1930. The piece is based on the poem of the same name by Percy Bysshe Shelley and is scored for orchestra and choir. The Ode to the West Wind is a dramatic and powerful work that showcases Victor's skill as a composer. In addition to his classical compositions, Victor also composed music for films. He worked on several British films in the 1930s and 1940s, including The Four Feathers, The Lion Has Wings, and The Next of Kin. His film scores were well-received and helped to establish him as a prominent composer in the British film industry. Victor continued to compose and conduct throughout his career, and he was recognized for his contributions to music with several awards and honors. In 1953, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to music. He was also awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Philharmonic Society in 1961. Victor Hely-Hutchinson died on March 13, 1947, at the age of 45. Despite his relatively short career, he left behind a legacy of music that continues to be celebrated and performed today. His compositions are known for their lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and dramatic flair, and they have earned him a place among the great British composers of the 20th century.

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