Role

:

Composer  

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Harold Craxton was a renowned British pianist, teacher, and composer who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was born on August 13, 1885, in London, England, to a family of musicians. His father, Algernon Craxton, was a cellist, and his mother, Annie, was a pianist. Harold showed an early interest in music and began taking piano lessons at the age of six. Craxton's talent as a pianist was evident from a young age, and he quickly gained recognition for his exceptional skills. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he won several awards and prizes for his performances. In 1904, he was awarded the prestigious Mendelssohn Scholarship, which allowed him to study with the renowned pianist Ferruccio Busoni in Berlin. After completing his studies with Busoni, Craxton returned to London and began his career as a concert pianist. He quickly established himself as one of the leading pianists of his generation, and his performances were highly acclaimed by audiences and critics alike. He performed extensively throughout Europe and the United States, and his repertoire included works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, and many other composers. In addition to his career as a performer, Craxton was also a highly respected teacher. He taught at the Royal Academy of Music for over 40 years, and his students included many of the leading pianists of the 20th century, such as Moura Lympany, Peter Katin, and John Ogdon. He was known for his rigorous teaching methods and his ability to bring out the best in his students. Craxton was also a prolific composer, and his works included piano pieces, chamber music, and songs. His compositions were highly regarded by his contemporaries, and he was often praised for his ability to combine traditional forms with modern harmonies and rhythms. One of the highlights of Craxton's career was his performance of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 with the London Symphony Orchestra in 1929. The performance was highly acclaimed, and Craxton was praised for his sensitive interpretation of the work. He also performed with many other leading orchestras, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. Craxton received many awards and honors throughout his career, including the Order of the British Empire in 1951 and the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977. He was also awarded honorary doctorates from several universities, including the University of London and the University of Leeds. Craxton continued to perform and teach well into his 80s, and he remained an active member of the classical music community until his death on January 1, 1971. He was remembered as a gifted pianist, a dedicated teacher, and a respected composer who made significant contributions to the world of classical music.

More....