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Montagu Slater was a British classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music through his compositions and lyrics. Born on June 14, 1902, in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Slater was the son of a coal miner and grew up in a working-class family. Despite his humble beginnings, Slater showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at a young age. Slater's musical talent was recognized early on, and he was awarded a scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music in London. There, he studied composition under the tutelage of Ralph Vaughan Williams, one of the most prominent British composers of the time. Slater's time at the Royal College of Music was a formative period in his life, and he developed a deep appreciation for classical music that would stay with him throughout his career. After completing his studies, Slater began working as a composer and lyricist, collaborating with some of the most prominent musicians of the time. One of his most significant collaborations was with Benjamin Britten, with whom he worked on several operas, including "Peter Grimes" and "The Rape of Lucretia." Slater's lyrics for these operas were praised for their poetic beauty and emotional depth, and they helped to establish him as one of the leading lyricists of his generation. In addition to his work with Britten, Slater also collaborated with other prominent musicians, including Michael Tippett and Alan Bush. His lyrics were featured in several major works, including Tippett's "A Child of Our Time" and Bush's "The Sugar Reapers." Slater's ability to write lyrics that were both poetic and politically charged made him a sought-after collaborator, and his work was widely admired by critics and audiences alike. Despite his success as a lyricist, Slater also continued to compose music throughout his career. His compositions were often inspired by his love of folk music, and he was particularly interested in the music of the North East of England, where he grew up. One of his most famous compositions was "The Keel Row," a traditional Northumbrian folk song that he arranged for choir and orchestra. The piece became a staple of the choral repertoire and is still performed today. Throughout his career, Slater received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music. In 1953, he was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to music, and in 1965, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. In 1972, he was awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Philharmonic Society, one of the highest honors in British classical music. Despite his many achievements, Slater remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his life. He continued to compose and write lyrics until his death on February 18, 1956, at the age of 53. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and admired by musicians and audiences around the world.

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