Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1910

Death

:

1971

 

Robert Still was a British composer who was born on June 10, 1910, in London. He was the youngest of three children and grew up in a musical family. His father, William Still, was a composer and conductor, and his mother, Edith, was a pianist. Robert showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Robert received his early education at the City of London School, where he excelled in music. He went on to study at the Royal College of Music, where he was a student of Ralph Vaughan Williams and Gordon Jacob. He also studied composition with John Ireland and piano with Arthur Benjamin. In 1932, Robert won the Cobbett Prize for his String Quartet No. 1, which was performed at the Wigmore Hall. This was a significant achievement for the young composer, and it helped to establish his reputation as a composer. He went on to win several other awards and prizes throughout his career, including the Royal Philharmonic Society Prize in 1949 for his Symphony No. 2. Robert's music was influenced by a variety of styles, including folk music, jazz, and classical music. He was particularly interested in the music of Eastern Europe and incorporated elements of this music into his compositions. His music was characterized by its lyricism, clarity, and emotional depth. Robert composed a wide range of music, including orchestral works, chamber music, choral music, and songs. Some of his most notable works include his Symphony No. 1, which was premiered by the BBC Symphony Orchestra in 1946, and his Symphony No. 2, which was premiered by the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 1950. He also composed several string quartets, including his String Quartet No. 2, which was premiered by the Aeolian Quartet in 1953. In addition to his instrumental music, Robert also composed several choral works, including his cantata The Song of the Exiles, which was premiered at the Three Choirs Festival in 1955. He also composed several songs, including his cycle of songs for soprano and piano, Songs of a Wayfarer, which was premiered by Jennifer Vyvyan and Gerald Moore in 1952. Robert was a respected teacher and taught at several institutions, including the Royal College of Music, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and the University of Reading. He was also a prolific writer and wrote several books on music, including his book The Music of Hindemith, which was published in 1955. Robert continued to compose and teach until his death on May 27, 1971, at the age of 60. His music continues to be performed and recorded today, and he is remembered as one of the leading British composers of the mid-20th century.

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