Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1859

Death

:

1936

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Alfred Edward Housman was a British classical music composer who lived from 1859 to 1936. He was born in Fockbury, Worcestershire, England, on March 26, 1859, to parents who were both musicians. His father, Edward Housman, was a solicitor and amateur musician, while his mother, Sarah Jane Housman, was a talented pianist and singer. From a young age, Housman showed a great interest in music, and his parents encouraged him to pursue his passion. He began taking piano lessons at the age of six and later learned to play the violin and the organ. He also showed a talent for composition, and by the age of 16, he had already written several pieces of music. In 1877, Housman went to study at St. John's College, Oxford, where he continued to develop his musical skills. He studied under the renowned composer Sir Hubert Parry, who was a great influence on his work. During his time at Oxford, Housman composed several pieces of music, including a cantata called "The Witch of Atlas," which was performed at the Oxford University Music Society. After graduating from Oxford in 1882, Housman moved to London, where he worked as a civil servant. However, he continued to compose music in his spare time, and his work began to gain recognition. In 1892, he was awarded the prestigious Mendelssohn Scholarship, which allowed him to study music in Germany for two years. During his time in Germany, Housman studied under some of the leading composers of the day, including Johannes Brahms and Max Bruch. He also became interested in the music of Richard Wagner, and his work began to show the influence of Wagner's style. After returning to England in 1894, Housman continued to compose music and became a prominent figure in the British classical music scene. He was a member of the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music, and he served as a professor of music at the University of London. Housman's music was characterized by its romantic style and its use of rich harmonies and complex rhythms. He wrote in a variety of genres, including orchestral music, chamber music, and vocal music. Some of his most famous works include his Symphony No. 1 in C minor, his Piano Concerto in A minor, and his String Quartet No. 2 in D major. Housman's music was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and he was praised for his skillful use of orchestration and his ability to create powerful emotional effects. However, his work was also criticized for its lack of originality and its reliance on the styles of other composers, particularly Wagner. Despite these criticisms, Housman remained a respected figure in the British classical music scene until his death in 1936. His music continues to be performed and recorded today, and he is remembered as one of the most important British composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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