Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

March 2, 1813 in London, England

Death

:

October 31, 1887

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Orchestral

 

George Alexander Macfarren was a British composer and music professor who was born on March 2, 1813, in London, England. He was the son of a Scottish music publisher and composer, George Macfarren Sr., who was also a professor of music at the Royal Academy of Music. Macfarren Jr. showed an early interest in music and began studying the piano and violin at a young age. Macfarren's musical education continued at the Royal Academy of Music, where he studied composition under William Crotch and Charles Lucas. He also studied the organ with Thomas Attwood and the violin with Henry Blagrove. In 1834, Macfarren won the Academy's gold medal for composition, and in 1836, he was appointed professor of harmony and composition at the Academy, a position he held for over 40 years. Macfarren's early compositions were influenced by the German Romantic composers, particularly Beethoven and Schubert. His first major work, the opera "Don Quixote," was premiered in 1846 and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. The opera was followed by several other successful works, including the oratorio "St. John the Baptist" (1852) and the cantata "Robin Hood" (1860). In the 1860s, Macfarren's style began to shift towards a more classical approach, influenced by the music of Bach and Handel. This change in style is evident in his oratorio "Joseph" (1867), which is considered one of his finest works. The oratorio tells the story of Joseph and his brothers, and features arias, choruses, and recitatives that showcase Macfarren's skill as a composer. Macfarren's other notable works include the opera "Charles II" (1864), the cantata "The Resurrection" (1873), and the oratorio "The Resurrection and the Life" (1876). He also composed several instrumental works, including a symphony, a piano concerto, and a string quartet. In addition to his work as a composer, Macfarren was a respected music professor and wrote several influential textbooks on music theory and composition. His most famous work, "Harmony and Composition," was first published in 1850 and went through several editions. The book was widely used in music schools and conservatories throughout the 19th century. Macfarren was also a champion of women's education in music. In 1876, he founded the Royal College of Music in London, which was the first music school in the United Kingdom to admit women on an equal basis with men. Macfarren served as the College's first principal and remained in the position until his death in 1887. George Macfarren's contributions to classical music were significant, both as a composer and as an educator. His works were well-regarded in his lifetime and continue to be performed today. His influence on music education in the United Kingdom was also significant, and his efforts to promote women's education in music paved the way for future generations of female musicians.

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