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famous English composers. England and the opera stage English composers

England is called the most "non-musical" country in Europe. According to art historians, the history of the origin English music goes back to the distant IV century, when Celtic tribes lived on the territory of the British Isles. In the surviving songs and ballads of that time, singers and bards described military campaigns, exploits, romantic legends and love for native land. New stage The development of the culture of England falls only on the VI century, with the adoption of Christianity, musical art began to develop rapidly: first under the church, and then under the state.

Today, English composers are not as famous as their European counterparts, and then it is rather difficult to quickly recall their names or works. But, if you look into the history of world music, you can find out that the United Kingdom gave the world such great composers as Edward Elgar, Gustav Holst,Ralph Vaughan Williams And Benjamin Britten.

heyday musical culture occurred in Great Britain during the reign of Queen Victoria. In 1905, the first symphony was written in England, the author of which was Edward Elgar. universal recognition young composer brought an oratorio called "The Dream of Gerontius", which was written in 1900, as well as "Variations on a mysterious theme." Elgar was recognized not only by England, but by the whole of Europe, and the famous Austrian Johann Strauss even noted that Elgar's creations are the pinnacle of English romanticism in the field of music.

Gustav Holst is another famous English composer who lived in the nineteenth century. He is called the most original and unusual creator classical music- such recognition he received for a scene called "Planets". This work consists of seven parts and describes the planets of our solar system.

The next in the list of great composers is the founder of the school of "English musical renaissance", great-nephew of Charles Darwin - Ralph Vaughan Williams. In addition to composing music, Williams was also active in social work and collected English folklore. Among his most famous works are three Norfolk Rhapsodies, fantasies on a theme of Tallis for double string orchestra, as well as symphonies, three ballets, several operas and arrangements. folk songs.

Among contemporary composers England should highlight the baron Edward Benjamin Britenne. Britten wrote works for chamber and symphony orchestra, church and vocal music. Thanks to him, there was a revival of opera in England, which was in decline at that time. One of the main themes of Britenn's work was the protest against the manifestation of violence and war in favor of peace and harmony in human relationships, which was most clearly expressed in the "War Requiem", written in 1961. Edward Benjamin also often visited Russia and even wrote music to the words of A. S. Pushkin.

In 1904, the German critic Oscar Adolf Hermann Schmitz published a book about Great Britain, calling it (both the book and the country itself) "A Land Without Music" (Das Land Ohne Musik). Perhaps he was right. Since Handel's death in 1759, Britain has made negligible contributions to the development of classical music. True, Schmitz did not come out with his condemnation at the right time: the 20th century witnessed the revival of British music, which manifested itself in the formation of a new national style. This era also gave the world four great British composers.

Edward Elgar

He did not formally study the art of composition anywhere, but he managed from a modest Worcester conductor and bandmaster of the Worcester psychiatric hospital to become the first British composer in two hundred years to achieve international recognition. Having spent his childhood in his father's shop on the main street of Worcestershire, surrounded by musical scores, musical instruments and music textbooks, young Elgar independently studied musical theory. In warm summer days he began to take manuscripts out of town with him for study (from the age of five he was addicted to cycling). Thus, for him, the beginning of a strong relationship between music and nature was laid. Later he will say: "Music, it's in the air, music is all around us, the world is full of it, and you can just take as much as you need." At the age of 22, he accepted the post of bandmaster at Worcester psychiatric hospital for the poor in Pawick, three miles southwest of Worcester, a progressive institution that believed in the healing power of music. His first major orchestral work, Enigma Variations (1899), brought fame to him - mysterious because each of the fourteen variations was written on a peculiar theme that no one had heard before. Elgar's greatness (or his English identity, some say) lies in his use of bold melodic themes that convey a mood of nostalgic melancholy. His the best essay called the oratorio "The Dream of Gerontius" (The Dream of Gerontius, 1900), and his First March from the cycle "Solemn and Ceremonial Marches" (Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1, 1901), also known as "The Land of Hope and Glory", invariably causes great delight among listeners at the annual "promenade concerts".

Elgar - The Dream of Gerontius

Gustav Holst

An English-born Swede, Holst was an exceptionally outstanding composer. A master of orchestration, in his work he relied on traditions as different as English folk songs and madrigals, Hindu mysticism and the avant-gardism of Stravinsky and Schoenberg. He was also fond of astrology, and its study inspired Holst to create his most famous (though not the best) work - a seven-movement symphonic suite (The Planets, 1914-1916).

Gustav Holst. "Planets. Venus"

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Ralph Vaughan Williams is considered the most English of the British composers. He rejected foreign influences, saturating his music with the mood and rhythms of national folklore and creativity of English composers of the XVI century. Vaughan Williams is one of the major composers of the first half of the 20th century and played an important role in reviving interest in British academic music. His legacy is very extensive: six operas, three ballets, nine symphonies, cantatas and oratorios, compositions for piano, organ and chamber ensembles, arrangements of folk songs and many other works. In his work, he was inspired by the traditions of the English masters of the 16th-17th centuries (he revived the genre of the English mask) and folk music. Williams's works are marked by the scale of the idea, melodism, masterful voice leading and original orchestration. Vaughan Williams is one of the founders of the New English composer school- the so-called "English musical renaissance". Vaughan Williams is best known as the author of A Sea Symphony (1910), "London Symphony" (A London Symphony, 1913) and a delightful romance for violin and orchestra" (The Lark Ascending, 1914).

Vaughan Williams. "London Symphony"

Benjamin Britten

Britten was and remains to this day the last great British composer. His skill and ingenuity, especially as a composer writing for vocals, has earned him international recognition comparable to the glory of Elgar. Among his the best works opera "Peter Grimes" (Peter Grimes, 1945), orchestral work "The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, 1946" and a large orchestral-choral work "War Requiem" (War Requiem, 1961) on the verses of Wilfred Owen. One of the main themes of Britten's work - the protest against violence, war, the affirmation of the value of the fragile and unprotected human world - received its highest expression in the "War Requiem" (1961). About what led him to the War Requiem, Britten said: “I thought a lot about my friends who died in two world wars. I will not claim that this work is written in heroic tones. It contains a lot of regret about the terrible past. But that is precisely why the Requiem is directed to the future. Seeing examples of the terrible past, we must prevent such catastrophes as wars are. Britten was not a big fan of the "English tradition" characteristic of the previous generation of composers, although he arranged folk songs for his partner, tenor Peter Pierce. Neither in early years, neither at the later stages of his creative evolution did Britten set himself the task of discovering new techniques of composition or theoretical substantiations of his individual style. Unlike many of his peers, Britten was never fond of pursuing the "newest", nor did he try to find support in the established methods of composition inherited from the masters of previous generations. He is guided, first of all, by the free flight of imagination, fantasy, realistic expediency, and not by belonging to one of the many "schools" of our century. Britten valued creative sincerity more than scholastic dogma, no matter how ultra-modern attire it was dressed. He allowed all the winds of the era to penetrate his creative laboratory, to penetrate, but not dispose of it.

Britten. "Guide to the Orchestra for Youth"

Ever since Britten was buried in Aldborough, Suffolk in 1976, British classical music has struggled to maintain its glorious reputation. John Taverner, a direct descendant of the 16th-century composer John Taverner, and Peter Maxwell Davies produce critically acclaimed works, but nothing really outstanding has yet emerged. Classical music occupies a certain niche in British culture, but perhaps not as big as its fans would like. It is played in television advertisements and at various sporting events, and ordinary Britons may well watch the final evening of the "Promenade Concerts" on TV (if there is nothing more interesting), but in fact, a very small part of the nation listens to classical music, mainly representatives of the middle class . Respectable music for respectable people.

Used materials from the site: london.ru/velikobritaniya/muzika-v-velik obritanii

English composers, like many others, gave us something wonderful - music. Of course, many composers other than English ones have done this, but now we will talk about English ones. Their music has a certain charm, and each composer has his own special approach to the works.

The beginning of the development of music in England

Until the 4th century, England, from the point of view of art historians, was considered one of the most "least musical" countries. Based on this fact, we can say that the works of English composers of classical music, and indeed of any other, did not seem to connoisseurs of beauty something noteworthy and reverence. But even despite the opinion of skeptics and art historians, England had and has great and talented composers, whose names are known to everyone, and melodies and works are valued not only in the country itself, but also abroad.

The first fame of composers of those times

Famous English composers began to appear and become famous somewhere in X-XV centuries. Of course, music appeared there much earlier, but the works were not very famous, and the names of composers have not survived to this day, just like their works. English composers of classical music first appeared and became somewhat famous in the 11th century. The first works appeared almost in the same period as the European ones. English composers of classical music conveyed stories about Celtic or simply military campaigns in their works. The works described the life of ordinary, or not quite, people living or having any connection with the Celtic islands and tribes.

After the adoption of Christianity, at the end of the 6th century, English composers of classical music began to actively develop their skills in the field of music, using church themes for this, and a little later, at the beginning and middle of the 7th century, domestic and state ones. Thus, it becomes clear that English music was dedicated to religion and the various military merits of the country.

The popularity of English classical composers in modern times

As you can see, music composers were not very popular in the fifth and seventh centuries, but how much of such composers are preferred now? Of course, in our time, they do not pay due attention to such music and often the latest musical novelties happen instead of the works of great composers. But the music of famous English composers can be heard in our time - in opera houses or just finding beauty musical phenomenon in the Internet. Today you will get acquainted with some of the most famous composers, whose works are known in many countries and on many continents. The music of English composers, of course, is widespread in England itself and abroad, but does not have such a large number of admirers as then.

Who is Edward Benjamin Britten?

Benjamin Britten is a British composer of classical English music born in the 20th century. Benjamin was born in 1913 in Lowestoft. Benjamin is not only a composer, but also an excellent musician, namely a conductor and professional pianist. He also tried many musical directions as a composer, his repertoire included vocal and piano pieces and opera performances. By the way, it was the third repertoire that became one of his most basic. Like any other famous composer, Edward Benjamin Britten has many different masterpieces of operatic music and plays behind him.

The plays of Benjamin Britten and his popularity

The most famous play, which is staged in theaters in our time - "Noah's Ark". Judging by the title, and also by the plot of the play, it is easy to understand that the title itself confirms the fact that many works written before the 20th century and at its beginning often had a religious theme. Speaking of Benjamin, it is impossible not to mention his significance among composers of the mid-twentieth century. He was the most famous composer of the twentieth century, one can even say that it was he who exalted the significance and beauty of the English musical masterpieces"to heaven". After Edward's death for a long time England "did not see" such talents.

Who is Gustav Holst?

Gustav Holst is one of the most famous English composers of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Gustav was born in 1830 and to this day he has retained his popularity, and his creations are still famous for lovers of beauty. The symphonies and melodies of Gustav Holst are now not uncommon, they are very easy to get in our time: there are many works on the Internet in in electronic format, and to purchase a disc with a collection of works by the great master is as easy as shelling pears.

Plays and works of Gustav Holst, their role in cultural institutions

You will say: “He was great and talented, but is he popular and are his creations popular now?” It is impossible to give an unambiguous answer to your question, because, like any musician, and especially the famous English composer of those times, he did not remain a favorite of the public, and people preferred musical novelties to his works. And no matter how famous and beloved by the public Gustav may be, in our time, few will remember his name. But it is impossible not to include him in our list, because once his example was an ideal for beginning English composers who dream of world fame and fame.

In conclusion, I would like to say that although English classical composers and their music are not currently successful and almost no one prefers such a magnificent genre as classical, genres, works and their authors still have admirers, the number of which is incredibly great for beginners and Not only classical composers. And remember: the classic is eternal and unchanging, because what it has remained for many centuries is the same now.

B. Britten is one of the most significant composers of the 20th century. Almost all musical genres are represented in his work: from piano pieces and vocal works to the opera.

He actually revived English music, which, after the death of Handel, had not had a composer of such magnitude for almost two hundred years.

Biography

The initial period of creativity

Edward Benjamin Britten British composer, conductor and pianist , was born in 1913 in Lowestoft (Suffolk County) in the family of a dentist. Musical ability he showed up early: at the age of 6 he had already begun to compose music. His first piano teacher was his mother, then the boy learned to play the viola.

Royal College of Music

At the Royal College of Music in London, he studied piano, also studying composition. His early works immediately attracted attention music world- these were the "Hymn to the Virgin" and the choral variations "The Baby is Born". Britten is invited to the film company documentaries with whom he worked for 5 years. He considers this period a good school, where he had to learn and compose a lot, even when inspiration leaves and only conscientious work remains.

During this period, he also worked on the radio: he wrote music for radio shows, then began concert activity.

World War II period

In the 1930s, he was already a composer, whose works received worldwide fame: his music was played in Italy, Spain, Austria and the USA, but the Second World War, and Britten leaves England for the US and Canada. The composer returned to his homeland only in 1942. Immediately began his performances around the country: in small villages, bomb shelters, hospitals and even in prisons. And when the war ended, he immediately visited Germany, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland and the Scandinavian countries with concerts.

Post-war creativity

In 1948, in Aldborough, where he settled, he organized the Annual International music Festival, which gives a lot of time, effort and money. At the first festival in 1948, his cantata "Saint Nicholas" was performed.

In the early 1950s, Britten participated in the activities of the Organization of the Doers musical art- supporters of peace, writes operas, and in 1956 travels to India, Ceylon, Indonesia, Japan. The impressions of the trip were reflected in the score of the ballet "The Prince of Pagodas". This fairy-tale extravaganza becomes the first national "big" ballet, before that in England there were only one-act ballets. After that, Britten returns to his favorite opera: in 1958, Noah's Ark appears, and in 1960 - A Midsummer Night's Dream.

In 1961, Britten created the War Requiem, which became a memorial to the victims of the war. It was written for the consecration ceremony cathedral in the city of Coventry completely destroyed by German bombardments. For the first time, the "War Requiem" was performed in 1962. The success was deafening: "Requiem" was sold in the first two months with a circulation of 200 thousand records, which spoke of the real success of the work.

The ruins of the cathedral in Coventry

At the same time, Britten wrote works of a new genre: parable operas. In 1964, the Curlew River was written on a Japanese plot. "Stove Action" (1966) is based on an episode from Old Testament, A " Prodigal son"(1968) - on the gospel parable. "Cantata of Mercy" Britten writes for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Red Cross, the cantata is based on the parable of the Good Samaritan. It was solemnly performed in Geneva on September 1, 1963.

Britten and Russia

Having heard M. Rostropovich's playing for the first time in London, Britten decides to write a five-movement Sonata for him, each of which demonstrates the special skill of the cellist. In March 1963, a festival of English music was held in Moscow and Leningrad, where this sonata was performed by Britten himself and M. Rostropovich. At the same time, one-act operas by Britten were performed for the first time in Russia by the Small Company of the Covent Garden Theatre. In 1964, Britten again visits our country, he is tied friendly relations with D. Shostakovich, M. Rostropovich and G. Vishnevskaya, Britten even meets the new year 1965 with Shostakovich at his dacha.

M. Rostropovich and B. Britten

The music of Shostakovich has a noticeable influence on Britten's work. He writes the Cello Concerto and dedicates it to Mstislav Rostropovich, and a cycle of songs based on Pushkin's verses to Galina Vishnevskaya. Shostakovich dedicates his Fourteenth Symphony to Britten.

The last time B. Britten visited Russia was in 1971. In 1975 D. Shostakovich died, and in 1976 Britten died.

Creativity B. Britten

Britten is considered the founder of the revival of opera in England. Working in various musical genres, Britten loved opera most of all. He completed his first opera, Peter Grimes, in 1945, and its production marked the revival of the national musical theater. At the heart of the libretto of the opera - tragic story fisherman Peter Grimes, who is haunted by fate. The music of his opera is diverse in terms of style: he uses the style of many composers, depending on the content of the scene: he draws images of loneliness and despair in the style of G. Mahler, A, Berg, D. Shostakovich; realistic genre scenes - in the style of D. Verdi, and seascapes- in the style of C. Debussy. And all these styles are ingeniously united by one thing - the Britten style and the color of Britain.

The composer was engaged in composing operas all his subsequent life. He created chamber operas: "The Desecration of Lucretia" (1946), "Albert Herring" (1947) on the plot of G. Maupassant. In the 50-60s. creates the operas Billy Budd (1951), Gloriana (1953), The Turn of the Screw (1954), Noah's Ark (1958), A Midsummer Night's Dream (1960) based on the comedy by W. Shakespeare, chamber opera The Carlew River (1964), the opera The Prodigal Son (1968), dedicated to Shostakovich, and Death in Venice (1970) based on T. Mann.

Music for children

Britten also writes for children, and conceives music for educational purposes. For example, in the play "Let's make an opera" (1949), he introduces the audience into the process of its performance. Back in 1945, he wrote a variation and fugue on a theme by Purcell, "A Guide to the Orchestra for Young Listeners", in which he introduces listeners to timbres various tools. S. Prokofiev has a similar children's opera - "Peter and the Wolf".

In 1949, Britten created the opera for children The Little Chimney Sweep, and in 1958, the opera Noah's Ark.

B. Britten performed a lot as a pianist and conductor, touring around the world.

Edward Elgar

Gustav Holst

An English-born Swede, Holst was an exceptionally outstanding composer. A master of orchestration, he drew upon traditions as diverse as English folk songs and madrigals, Hindu mysticism and the avant-gardism of Stravinsky and Schoenberg. He was also fond of astrology, and its study inspired Holst to create his most famous (though not the best) work - the seven-part symphonic suite "The Planets" (The Planets, 1914-1916).

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Ralph Vaughan Williams is considered the most English of the British composers. He rejected foreign influences, saturating his music with the mood and rhythms of national folklore and the work of English composers of the 16th century. His rich, melancholy melodies conjure up images of rural life. Stravinsky even remarked that listening to him " Pastoral symphony” (Pastoral Symphony, 1921) is like “staring at a cow for a long time,” and he, admittedly, put it even softer in comparison with the composer Elizabeth Lutyens, who called the “Pastoral Symphony” “music for cows.” Vaughan Williams is best known as the author of A Sea Symphony (1910), A London Symphony (1913) and the delightful romance for violin and orchestra The Lark Ascending (1914).

Benjamin Britten

Britten was and remains to this day the last great British composer. His skill and ingenuity, especially as a vocal composer, brought him international recognition comparable to that of Elgar. Among his best works are the opera "Peter Grimes" (Peter Grimes, 1945), the orchestral work "The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, 1946) and the large orchestral and choral work" War Requiem "( War Requiem, 1961) to lyrics by Wilfred Owen. Britten was not a big fan of the "English traditionalism" characteristic of the previous generation of composers, although he arranged folk songs for his partner, tenor Peter Pierce. Even during his lifetime, Britten was known as a homosexual and pacifist, although few people knew about his passion, albeit innocent, for thirteen-year-old boys.

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