Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

July 22, 1878 in Cleveland, OH

Death

:

May 3, 1927 in Santa Ana, CA

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Ernest R. Ball was a renowned American composer of popular music and classical music. He was born on July 22, 1878, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Irish immigrant parents. His father, Michael Ball, was a musician who played the violin and the flute, and his mother, Mary Larkin, was a singer. Ernest grew up in a musical family and showed an early interest in music. Ernest's father recognized his son's musical talent and began teaching him to play the violin when he was just four years old. By the age of six, Ernest was performing in public, and by the age of ten, he was playing in his father's orchestra. Ernest's father also taught him to play the piano, and he quickly became proficient in both instruments. Ernest's musical education continued when he enrolled in the Cleveland Conservatory of Music at the age of 14. He studied composition, harmony, and counterpoint under the tutelage of some of the most prominent music teachers of the time. Ernest's talent was evident, and he quickly became one of the most promising students at the conservatory. After completing his studies at the conservatory, Ernest began his career as a professional musician. He played in various orchestras and bands, and he also worked as a music teacher. However, Ernest's true passion was composing music, and he began to focus more on this aspect of his career. Ernest's first major success as a composer came in 1903 when he wrote the music for the song "Mother Machree." The song became an instant hit and was recorded by many popular singers of the time. The success of "Mother Machree" launched Ernest's career as a composer, and he went on to write many more popular songs. Ernest's success as a composer of popular music did not diminish his interest in classical music. He continued to study and compose classical music throughout his career. In 1913, he wrote his first symphony, which was well-received by critics and audiences alike. He went on to write several more symphonies, as well as chamber music and operas. Ernest's most famous work is the operetta "A Soldier's Sweetheart," which premiered in 1918. The operetta tells the story of a soldier who falls in love with a young woman while serving in World War I. The music is a blend of popular and classical styles, and the operetta was a huge success. It was performed in theaters across the country and was even made into a movie in 1926. Ernest's other notable works include the song "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," which he co-wrote with lyricists Chauncey Olcott and George Graff Jr. The song became an instant classic and is still popular today. Ernest also wrote the music for the song "Will You Love Me in December as You Do in May," which was a hit in 1905. Ernest's career as a composer spanned several decades, and he continued to write music until his death in 1927. He was a prolific composer who wrote over 600 songs, as well as numerous classical works. His music was popular during his lifetime and continues to be performed and recorded today. In conclusion, Ernest R. Ball was a talented composer who made significant contributions to both popular and classical music. He was born into a musical family and showed an early interest in music. He received a formal education in music and went on to have a successful career as a composer.

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