Role

:

Composer

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Bernard Naylor was a British composer who was born on October 27, 1907, in London. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father, William Naylor, was a violinist and conductor, and his mother, Florence, was a pianist. Bernard showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Naylor attended the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied composition with Ralph Vaughan Williams and conducting with Adrian Boult. He also studied with Gustav Holst, who had a significant influence on his music. Naylor graduated from the Royal College of Music in 1929 and went on to become a music teacher. Naylor's early compositions were influenced by the English pastoral style of Vaughan Williams and Holst. His first major work was a choral setting of William Blake's poem "The Lamb," which was performed at the Royal Albert Hall in 1932. Naylor's music was well received, and he began to establish himself as a composer. During World War II, Naylor served in the Royal Air Force as a music officer. He composed music for the RAF Central Band and conducted concerts for the troops. After the war, Naylor returned to teaching and composing. He was appointed head of music at the City of London School for Boys in 1950, a position he held until his retirement in 1972. Naylor's music continued to evolve throughout his career. He was influenced by the music of Stravinsky and Bartok and began to incorporate more dissonance and complex rhythms into his compositions. He also experimented with electronic music and composed several works for tape. One of Naylor's most significant works is his Symphony No. 1, which was premiered in 1953 by the BBC Symphony Orchestra. The symphony is a powerful and dramatic work that reflects the turmoil of the post-war era. It is scored for a large orchestra and features a prominent role for the timpani. The symphony was well received and established Naylor as a major composer. Naylor's other notable works include his Piano Concerto, which was premiered in 1956 by the pianist Cyril Smith and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. The concerto is a virtuosic work that showcases Naylor's skill as a composer and his ability to write for the piano. Naylor also composed several choral works, including his Requiem, which was premiered in 1963 by the London Bach Choir. In addition to his work as a composer, Naylor was also a respected music educator. He wrote several books on music theory and composition, including "The Technique of Modern Orchestration" and "The Art of Accompaniment." He was also a frequent lecturer and adjudicator at music festivals and competitions. Naylor continued to compose and teach until his death on January 28, 1986. His music has been performed and recorded by many orchestras and ensembles around the world. Naylor's legacy as a composer and educator continues to inspire musicians and music lovers today.

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