Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

:

February 25, 1898

Death

:

1982

 

Dorothy Howell was a British composer who was born on February 22, 1898, in Birmingham, England. She was the daughter of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. Her father, William Henry Howell, was a violinist and conductor, and her mother, Alice, was a pianist. Dorothy showed an early interest in music and began composing at a young age. Howell studied at the Birmingham and Midland Institute School of Music, where she was taught by Granville Bantock and Edward Elgar. She later studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she was a student of Frederick Corder and Malcolm Sargent. Howell was a talented pianist and won several prizes for her performances. In 1920, Howell's composition "Lamia" was performed at a concert in Birmingham. The piece was well-received and helped establish Howell as a composer. She went on to compose several other works, including "Pageantry," which was performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 1934. The piece was a great success and was later performed at the coronation of King George VI in 1937. Howell's music was influenced by the Romantic composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as Elgar and Richard Strauss. Her compositions were known for their lush harmonies and sweeping melodies. She was also interested in incorporating folk music into her works, and many of her pieces feature folk-inspired themes. One of Howell's most famous works is her "Lamia" suite, which was based on the poem by John Keats. The suite was composed in 1919 and premiered in Birmingham the following year. The piece is divided into four movements and features a variety of moods and textures. The suite was well-received and helped establish Howell as a composer. Another notable work by Howell is her "Dance Rhapsody," which was composed in 1928. The piece was inspired by the folk music of the Balkans and features lively rhythms and colorful orchestration. The "Dance Rhapsody" was performed at the Proms in London in 1929 and was a great success. In addition to her compositions, Howell was also a respected music educator. She taught at the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. She was known for her dedication to her students and her innovative teaching methods. Howell continued to compose throughout her life, but her output slowed in the 1940s and 1950s. She suffered from health problems and was also affected by the outbreak of World War II. However, she continued to be active in the music community and was a member of several organizations, including the Society of Women Musicians. Howell died on March 12, 1982, at the age of 84. She left behind a legacy of beautiful and innovative compositions that continue to be performed and admired today. Her music is a testament to her talent and dedication to the art of composition.

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