Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

January 29, 1862 in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England

Death

:

June 10, 1934 in Grez-sur-Loing, France

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Frederick Delius was a British composer who is known for his unique style of music that blended elements of impressionism and romanticism. He was born on January 29, 1862, in Bradford, Yorkshire, England, to German parents. His father, Julius Delius, was a successful wool merchant, and his mother, Elise Pauline Krönig, was a talented pianist. Delius grew up in a wealthy family and received a privileged education. Delius showed an early interest in music and began taking piano lessons at the age of four. He also learned to play the violin and the cello. However, his parents did not encourage his musical pursuits and wanted him to follow in his father's footsteps and become a businessman. Despite their objections, Delius continued to study music and composition. In 1884, Delius moved to Florida, USA, to manage an orange plantation. While there, he became fascinated with the music of African Americans and Native Americans. He also met Thomas Ward, an African American musician, who introduced him to the music of the American South. This experience had a profound impact on Delius's music and inspired him to incorporate elements of American folk music into his compositions. In 1886, Delius returned to Europe and settled in Paris, where he studied composition with the renowned composer and teacher, Albert Lavignac. He also became friends with the French composer, Claude Debussy, who was a major influence on his music. Delius's early works were heavily influenced by the French impressionist style, and he became known for his use of rich harmonies and unconventional chord progressions. Delius's breakthrough came in 1897, with the premiere of his orchestral work, "Brigg Fair." The piece was based on a traditional English folk song and was a critical and commercial success. It established Delius as a major composer and helped to popularize his music in England. Over the next few years, Delius continued to compose a series of orchestral works, including "On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring" (1912) and "Summer Night on the River" (1911). These works were characterized by their lush harmonies, evocative melodies, and impressionistic textures. In 1913, Delius suffered a severe illness that left him paralyzed and unable to compose. He spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair, but he continued to work on his music with the help of his wife, Jelka Rosen. Despite his physical limitations, Delius continued to compose some of his most important works, including "A Mass of Life" (1905) and "Sea Drift" (1906). Delius's music was not always well-received by critics, who often found it too unconventional and difficult to understand. However, his music was highly influential and inspired a generation of composers, including Ralph Vaughan Williams and Benjamin Britten. Delius died on June 10, 1934, in Grez-sur-Loing, France, at the age of 72. He left behind a legacy of music that continues to be celebrated and performed today. His unique style and innovative approach to composition have made him one of the most important composers of the 20th century.

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