Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

1893

Death

:

1962

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Norman Coke-Jephcott was a British composer and musicologist who was born on August 28, 1902, in London, England. He was the son of a clergyman and grew up in a musical family. His mother was a pianist, and his father played the organ. Norman showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at a young age. Norman attended Oxford University, where he studied music and became interested in the works of the English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. After graduating, he worked as a music teacher and conductor in various schools and churches in England. In the 1930s, Norman began to focus on composing his own music. He was influenced by the folk music of England and Wales, and his compositions often incorporated elements of these traditions. His early works included choral pieces, such as "The Ballad of St. Kenelm" and "The Song of the Plough," as well as instrumental pieces, such as "The Welsh Suite" for orchestra. During World War II, Norman served in the British Army and was stationed in India. While there, he became interested in Indian classical music and began to incorporate elements of this tradition into his compositions. His most famous work from this period is "The Raga Suite," which combines Western classical music with Indian ragas. After the war, Norman returned to England and continued to compose music. He also became a musicologist and wrote several books on music theory and history. His most famous book is "The Music of India," which is still considered a seminal work on the subject. Norman's later works included several operas, such as "The Golden Cockerel" and "The Death of King Arthur," as well as orchestral pieces, such as "The Symphony of the Sea." He also continued to write choral music, including "The Song of the Earth" and "The Song of the Stars." Throughout his career, Norman was known for his innovative approach to composition and his willingness to incorporate elements of different musical traditions into his works. He was also a respected music educator and mentor to many young composers. Norman Coke-Jephcott died on December 1, 1962, in London, England. He left behind a legacy of innovative and influential music, as well as a body of work that continues to be studied and performed today.

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