Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1925 in Bristol, Avon, England

Death

:

2002

 

Anthony Milner was a British composer, born on March 16, 1925, in London. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. Milner began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He attended the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied composition with Gordon Jacob and piano with Harold Craxton. After completing his studies, Milner worked as a music teacher and composer. He was appointed as a lecturer in music at the University of Hull in 1952, where he remained until 1965. During this time, he composed several works, including his Symphony No. 1, which was premiered by the Hallé Orchestra in Manchester in 1955. In 1965, Milner was appointed as a professor of music at the University of Edinburgh, where he remained until his retirement in 1990. During his time at Edinburgh, he continued to compose and was a prolific writer on music, publishing several books and articles on the subject. Milner's music is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and use of traditional forms. He was influenced by the music of composers such as Vaughan Williams, Elgar, and Sibelius, and his works often reflect a sense of nostalgia for the English countryside and its folk traditions. One of Milner's most famous works is his Symphony No. 2, which was commissioned by the BBC and premiered in 1968. The symphony is a tribute to the Scottish landscape and its people, and is notable for its use of Scottish folk melodies and rhythms. The work was well-received and established Milner as one of the leading composers of his generation. Milner's other notable works include his Piano Concerto, which was premiered by the BBC Symphony Orchestra in 1972, and his String Quartet No. 2, which was premiered by the Edinburgh Quartet in 1980. He also composed several choral works, including his Requiem, which was premiered in 1985. In addition to his work as a composer, Milner was also a respected musicologist and wrote extensively on the music of Vaughan Williams and other British composers. His books include The Music of Vaughan Williams (1963), The Choral Music of the English Church (1977), and The Sacred Choral Music of Sir Charles Villiers Stanford (1999). Milner was awarded several honors for his contributions to music, including a CBE in 1989 and an honorary doctorate from the University of Edinburgh in 1991. He died on May 14, 2002, at the age of 77. In conclusion, Anthony Milner was a highly respected composer and musicologist who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His works are characterized by their lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and use of traditional forms, and reflect a deep love for the English countryside and its folk traditions. Milner's legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and music lovers around the world.

More....