Role

:

Ensemble

Formed

:

September 18, 1922

Disband

:

December 15, 2012

Genre

:

Band

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Orchestral

 

Ray Steadman-Allen was a British composer and conductor who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was born on September 18, 1922, in Saltaire, West Yorkshire, England. His father was a Salvation Army officer, and his mother was a pianist. Steadman-Allen grew up in a musical family and began playing the cornet at a young age. He later learned to play the piano and the organ. Steadman-Allen's musical education began at the Royal Military School of Music in Kneller Hall, where he studied composition, conducting, and orchestration. He also studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he received a diploma in composition. In 1942, he joined the British Army and served as a bandsman in the Royal Artillery. During his time in the army, he continued to compose and arrange music for military bands. After the war, Steadman-Allen joined the Salvation Army as a musician and composer. He served as the music editor for the Salvation Army's publications and composed numerous works for the organization's brass bands and choirs. His compositions for the Salvation Army include "The Triumph of Peace," "The Eternal Presence," and "The Light of the World." Steadman-Allen's compositions for brass bands are particularly noteworthy. He was known for his innovative use of harmony and his ability to create complex and challenging works for brass ensembles. His compositions for brass bands include "Variations on a Ninth," "The Holy War," and "The Beacons." In addition to his work for the Salvation Army, Steadman-Allen also composed works for orchestras and choirs. His compositions for orchestra include "The King of Love My Shepherd Is" and "The Pilgrim's Progress." He also composed numerous choral works, including "The Beatitudes," "The Lord Bless You and Keep You," and "The Lord's Prayer." Steadman-Allen was also a respected conductor and led many performances of his own works as well as works by other composers. He conducted the International Staff Band of the Salvation Army and the New York Staff Band of the Salvation Army. He also conducted the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Steadman-Allen's contributions to the world of classical music were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1987 for his services to music. He was also awarded the Freedom of the City of London in 1992. Steadman-Allen continued to compose and conduct music until his death on August 2, 2014, at the age of 91. His legacy lives on through his compositions, which continue to be performed by brass bands, orchestras, and choirs around the world. His innovative use of harmony and his ability to create complex and challenging works for brass ensembles have made him one of the most respected composers in the world of classical music.

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