Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

October 24, 1905 in Highfield, Hertfordshire, England

Death

:

March 18, 1987 in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

 

Elizabeth Poston was a British composer, arranger, and writer who was born on October 24, 1905, in Highfield, Hampshire, England. She was the youngest of three children born to Charles Poston, a solicitor, and his wife, Mary. Her family was musically inclined, and her mother was a talented pianist who encouraged her children to pursue music. Elizabeth began playing the piano at a young age and showed an early talent for composition. Poston attended Queen's College in London, where she studied music and English literature. After graduation, she worked as a music critic for The Radio Times and The Observer. In 1935, she joined the BBC as a music producer, where she worked for over 30 years. During her time at the BBC, she produced a wide range of programs, including classical music concerts, operas, and radio dramas. Poston's compositions were influenced by her love of English folk music and her interest in early music. She was particularly interested in the music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods and often incorporated elements of these styles into her own compositions. Her works were known for their simplicity and elegance, and she was praised for her ability to create beautiful melodies. One of Poston's most famous works is "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree," a Christmas carol that she arranged in 1948. The carol is based on a poem by an anonymous author from the 18th century and has become a beloved holiday classic. Poston's arrangement of the carol is known for its hauntingly beautiful melody and simple, yet powerful, harmonies. Another notable work by Poston is her "An English Day-Book," a collection of 12 songs that she composed between 1938 and 1942. The songs are based on poems by English writers, including William Blake, John Keats, and Robert Herrick. The collection is known for its lyrical beauty and its ability to capture the essence of English poetry. Poston also composed a number of works for the stage, including the opera "The Pied Piper of Hamelin," which was first performed in 1957. The opera is based on the famous fairy tale and is known for its whimsical score and charming characters. In addition to her work as a composer, Poston was also a talented arranger. She arranged a number of traditional English folk songs, including "The Ash Grove" and "The Salley Gardens," which have become popular in choral settings. Poston was a prolific writer and wrote a number of books on music and poetry. Her most famous work is "The Penguin Book of Christmas Carols," which she edited in 1965. The book is a collection of traditional Christmas carols from around the world and has become a holiday classic. Poston was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1979 for her contributions to music. She continued to compose and arrange music until her death on March 7, 1987, in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, England. In conclusion, Elizabeth Poston was a talented composer, arranger, and writer who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Her works were known for their simplicity and elegance, and she was praised for her ability to create beautiful melodies. Her legacy lives on through her compositions, arrangements, and writings, which continue to inspire and delight audiences around the world.

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