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 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 in other respects of any other, did not seem to connoisseurs of beauty to be something worthy of attention and respect. 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 the 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 still be heard in our time - in opera houses or simply by finding a wonderful musical phenomenon on 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 a professional pianist. He also tried many musical directions as a composer; his repertoire included vocal and piano pieces, as well as 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 that is staged in theaters in our time is 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 20th century, one might even say that it was he who lifted the significance and beauty of 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. Symphonies and melodies by Gustav Holst are not uncommon now, they are very easy to get in our time: there are many works in electronic form on the Internet, and it is easy to buy a CD with a collection of works by the great master.

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 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. His musical abilities 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 the attention of the musical world - these were the "Hymn to the Virgin" and the choral variations "The Baby is Born". Britten is invited to the documentary film company, with which he collaborated 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 gained worldwide fame: his music was heard in Italy, Spain, Austria and the USA, but the Second World War began, and Britten left England, going to the USA 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, he organized in Aldborough, where he settled, the Annual International Music Festival, to which he devotes 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 Musical Artists - Supporters of Peace, wrote operas, and in 1956 traveled to India, Ceylon, Indonesia, and 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, only one-act ballets existed in England. 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 of the cathedral in the city of Coventry completely destroyed by German bombing. 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 the Old Testament, and "The Prodigal Son" (1968) is based 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 establishes friendly relations with D. Shostakovich, M. Rostropovich and G. Vishnevskaya, even the new year 1965 Britten meets 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 was most fond of opera. He completed his first opera, Peter Grimes, in 1945, and its production marked the revival of the national musical theater. The libretto of the opera is based on the tragic story of the 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. As early as 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 the timbres of various instruments. 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.

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. Growing up in his father's high street shop in Worcestershire, surrounded by scores, musical instruments and music books, young Elgar taught himself music theory. On 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 a position as bandmaster at the Worcester Psychiatric Hospital for the Poor in Pavik, 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 best work is 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, 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 - 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 the work of English composers of the 16th 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 school of composition - 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 vocal composer, brought him international recognition comparable to that of Elgar. Among his best works is the opera "Peter Grimes" (Peter Grimes, 1945), an 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 the early years, nor 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

Literature

T. Livanova Musical theater in England. Henry Purcell. Chapter from the book "History of Western European Music until 1789: Textbook" in 2 vols. T. 1 M., Music, 1983 (p. 427-449)

Electronic application No. 1 - additional materials

Musical culture of England XVIII-XIX centuries.

The musical life of England at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries is increasingly subject to the spirit of capitalist entrepreneurship, which influences various aspects of culture and art. Numerous music publishing firms spring up in London; the organizers of concerts and the patrons of musicians are the owners of theaters, clubs, owners of pleasure gardens, for whom music is primarily a source of income. Even during the life of Purcell in England began an influx of foreign musicians.

Among them are the French - R. Kamber, author of the opera Pomona (1671), L. Grabu, who from 1665 became the head of the Royal Chapel in London; Italians - violinist N. Matteis, composer J. Draghi, castrato singer F. D. Grossi; Germans - violinist T. Baltsar and composer J. Pepusch; Czech G. Finger. In 1705, a theater was opened in the center of London, on the stage of which an Italian opera troupe began to perform annually. Under contract with Italian composers - G. Bononchini, F. Amodei, A. Ariosti, F. Veracini, N. Porpora - the theater staged their new operas.

The Italian opera soon conquered the English audience, pushing aside interest in the national opera and in the work of English composers, who lost their most talented representative in the person of Purcell. Thus ended the heyday of English music, and the period of its long crisis began, which lasted until the end of the 19th century.

In English musical culture in the first half of the 18th century. the activity of G. F. Handel played a major role. Handel lived in London for about 50 years (1710-59). He easily adapted to the tastes and artistic demands of the English public, creating over 40 operas in the Italian style (performed by a London troupe in Italian). The German composer became at the center of the musical life in England. This was facilitated not only by the bright creative personality of Handel, his performing skills, but also by the energy of the organizer, the democratic orientation of his quest. Handel's influence was especially evident in choral music. In his oratorios, based on ancient, historical and biblical heroic stories ("Judas Maccabee", "Samson", "Israel in Egypt", etc.), for the first time in musical images the struggle for the freedom-loving ideals of mankind was embodied. The main role in them is entrusted to the choirs, representing the people. Handel's oratorios summarized the traditions of English choral culture. At the same time, elements of operatic dramaturgy play an important role in these oratorios. Handel strove for the approval of people's democratic ideals in art, set himself ideological and moral tasks.

A strong blow to the dominance of Italian opera was dealt by "The Beggar's Opera" ("The beggar" s opera", London, 1728) by the English poet and playwright J. Gay and the German composer J. Pepusch, who lived in England. "The Beggar's Opera" is a parody of Italian opera and a vicious satire on the mores of English bourgeois society - was an expression of democratic opposition.She was a sensational success with a democratic audience (63 performances in the first season) and for many years remained in the repertoire of the English theater, undergoing various stage and musical adaptations. gave rise to a new genre of the so-called "ballad opera", revived the traditions of folk performances of minstrels of the 15th century.

Among the most significant English composers of the 18th century are T. Arne, W. Boyce, and C. Dibdin. These composers, who created music for the dramatic theater and pleasure gardens of London, were gifted musicians, but their art lagged far behind the achievements of their contemporary great composers in Germany, Austria, Italy and France; therefore, foreign musicians were invited to England, they ordered operas, oratorios, symphonies. Among foreign composers of the 2nd half of the 18th century. a significant contribution to English musical culture was made by J. K. Bach ("London Bach", son of J. S. Bach, who worked in England in 1762-82). From 1767, the Italian pianist and composer M. Clementi, who is considered the head of the English clavier school, lived in London. An important event in English musical life was the arrival of J. Haydn (1791-92 and 1794-95), who wrote 12 symphonies in England ("London Symphonies") and made 187 adaptations of Scottish songs. The only English composer who left England to work on the European continent is J. Field (Irish by nationality), who lived in Russia from the age of 20. A pianist and author of piano pieces and piano concertos, Field is considered the originator of the romantic genre of piano nocturne.

Musical life in England in the 18th century. manifested itself mainly in the organization of large choral festivals, which brought together many amateur and professional singers to perform Handel's oratorios (since 1715). Since 1724, the so-called "Three Choir Festivals" (church) have been held in succession in Gloucester, Worcester, and Hereford. In 1784, the first Handel Festival took place in London (in Westminster Abbey, where the composer is buried).

There are concert and musical societies that influenced the further development of English music:

• · Academy of Early Music (since 1770) - the first concert society in London;
• · "Katch-club" (since 1761), uniting lovers of choral singing;
• · the largest "Royal Musical Society" (since 1762);
• · "Concerts of ancient music" (since 1776).

In connection with the increased interest in playing the harpsichord and (later) the piano (concerts of J.K. Bach, W.A. Mozart, M. Clementi), the production of keyboard instruments is developing. In 1728, the J. Broadwood firm (the oldest in the world) was founded, which at first produced harpsichords, and from 1773, grand pianos; In 1760, J. Hill founded a firm that manufactured stringed instruments and bows (later Hill and Sons).

In the 1st half of the 19th century. England has not nominated a single major composer. Even the best of English musicians could not rise above the imitation of the music of composers from other European countries, being mainly followers of their German and Italian teachers. None of them could express in their work the original features of the richest national culture of England. It is characteristic that outstanding musical works based on the plots of masterpieces of English fiction were created by foreign composers: Weber's Oberon, Rossini's Otello, Mendelssohn's A Midsummer Night's Dream were written based on the works of Shakespeare; "Harold in Italy" by Berlioz, "Manfred" and "The Bride of Messina" by Schumann - according to Byron; "Lucia di Lammermoor" by Donizetti - according to W. Scott.

The repertoire of the London theater "Covent Garden" (founded in 1732) consisted mainly of works by foreign authors, as well as the concert programs of the Philharmonic Society (founded in 1813), which mainly popularized the symphonic music of Beethoven and other Western European composers.

In the 19th century London becomes one of the centers of European musical life. Here were: F. Chopin, F. Liszt, F. Mendelssohn, N. Paganini, G. Berlioz, R. Wagner, J. Verdi, C. Gounod, J. Meyerbeer, A. Dvorak, later - P. I. Tchaikovsky , A. K. Glazunov. An Italian troupe, famous for its bel canto masters, played at the Covent Garden Theatre. The concert life has been greatly developed. Since 1857, Handel festivals began to be held regularly in London (since 1859 - in the Crystal Palace), in which the number of participants reached 4000. Brass band competitions are organized (the first - in Manchester, in 1853). From the middle of the 19th century there is a growing interest in the performance and study of classical music, as well as in ancient English music - the Handel (in 1843), Bach (in 1849) and Purcell (in 1861) societies are organized, a society for the study of medieval musical art (Plainsong and medieval society, 1888 ).

In the English musical life of this period, democratic tendencies appear. In 1878, the People's Concert Society was created, which organized popular concerts for residents of the poor quarters of London; in many cities in England, amateur choirs appear, performing in churches, clubs, and on open stages. Concerts of student choirs enjoyed particular success. Choirs united in numerous choral societies:

• Society of Sacred Harmony (since 1832),
• Association of choirs (since 1833),
• Royal Choral Society (since 1871),
• · Bach Choir (since 1875).

The expansion of the choral movement in England was facilitated by the system of simplified musical notation, the so-called "tonic - sol-fa", which was introduced in all secondary schools. With the development of musical life, the need for educational institutions grew, and musical education expanded significantly.

Opened in London:

• Royal Academy of Music (1822),
• Trinity College (1872)
• · Royal College of Music (1883).

Charles Ives "Discovery" of Ives happened only at the end of the 30s, when it turned out that many (and, moreover, very different) methods of the newest musical writing had already been tested by an original American composer in the era of A. Scriabin, C. Debussy and G. Mahler . By the time Ives became famous, he had not composed music for many years and, seriously ill, cut off contact with the outside world.

Subsequently, in the 1920s, moving away from music, Ives became a successful businessman and a prominent specialist (author of popular works) on insurance. Most of Ives's works belong to the genres of orchestral and chamber music. He is the author of five symphonies, overtures, program works for orchestra (Three Villages in New England, Central Park in the Dark), two string quartets, five sonatas for violin, two for pianoforte, pieces for organ, choirs and over 100 songs. Symphony no. 1 i. Allegro Rej. ii. Largo II. Adagio molto III. Scherzo: Vivace iv. Allegro molto i. Allegro Ray. II. Largo II. Adagio malto III. Scherzo: Vivace IV Allegro malto

In the Second Piano Sonata (), the composer paid tribute to his spiritual predecessors. Each of its parts depicts a portrait of one of the American philosophers: R. Emerson, N. Hawthorne, G. Topo; the entire sonata bears the name of the place where these philosophers lived (Concord, Massachusetts,). Their ideas formed the basis of Ives' worldview (for example, the idea of ​​merging human life with the life of nature) Sonata No. 2 for Piano: Concord, Mass., i. Emerson II. Hawthorne III. The Alcotts iv. Thoreau Sonata 2 for piano:. Concord, Massachusetts, i. Emerson II. Hawthorne III. In Alcotts IV Toro

Edward William Elgar E. Elgar was the largest English composer of the turn of the 19th-20th centuries. Having received his first music lessons from his father, an organist and owner of a music shop, Elgar then developed independently, learning the basics of the profession in practice. Only in 1882 did the composer pass the exams at the Royal Academy of Music in London in the violin class and in musical theoretical subjects. Already in childhood, he mastered playing many instruments violin, piano, in 1885 he replaced his father as a church organist. In 1873, Elgar began his professional career as a violinist in the Worcester Glee Club (choral society), and since He worked in his native city as an accompanist and conductor of an amateur orchestra.

The significance of Elgar for the history of English music is determined primarily by two works: the oratorio The Dream of Gerontius (1900, on the st. J. Newman) and the symphonic Variations on a Mysterious Theme, which became the heights of English musical romanticism. The "mystery" of the variations is that the names of the composer's friends are encrypted in them, and the musical theme of the cycle is also hidden from view. (All this is reminiscent of the "Sphinxes" from "Carnival" by R. Schumann.) Elgar also owns the first English symphony (1908). Among the composer's other numerous orchestral works (overtures, suites, concertos, etc.), the Violin Concerto (1910) stands out, one of the most popular works of this genre. Dream Of Gerontius The Dream Of Gerontius

Elgar's music is melodically charming, colorful, has a bright characteristic, in symphonic works it attracts orchestral skill, subtlety of instrumentation, manifestation of romantic thinking. By the beginning of the XX century. Elgar rose to European prominence. Land of Hope and Glory

Ralph Vaughan Williams English composer, organist and musical public figure, collector and researcher of English musical folklore. Studied at Trinity College, Cambridge University with C. Wood and at the Royal College of Music in London () with X. Parry and C. Stanford (composition), W. Parrett (organ); improved in composition with M. Bruch in Berlin, with M. Ravel in Paris. The organist of South Lambeth Church in London. Since 1904 he has been a member of the Folk Song Society. From 1919 he taught composition at the Royal College of Music (from 1921 professor). The leader of the Bach Choir.

Vaughan-Williams' symphonic works are notable for their dramatic nature (4th symphony), melodic clarity, mastery of voice leading, and ingenuity of orchestration, in which the influence of the Impressionists is felt. Among the monumental vocal, symphonic and choral works are oratorios and cantatas intended for church performance. Of the operas, “Sir John in Love” (“Sir John in Love”, 1929, based on “The Windsor Gossips” by W. Shakespeare) enjoys the greatest success. Vaughan Williams was one of the first English composers who actively worked in the cinema (his 7th symphony was written on the basis of the music for the film about the polar explorer R. F. Scott). Vaughan williams symphony 4.

She began learning to play the piano at the age of 5, at the age of 8 she played almost all of Beethoven's works by heart. By the age of 20, the number of her concerts reached 100 a year. “When I listen to how I play, I have the impression that I am present at my own funeral,” this phrase became as if prophetic, because in 1960, due to a heart attack at a concert, her musical activity ceased. She composed several of her works ("Julia Hess Sonata", "Farewell"). Style: classical music. During the wars, she gave concerts all over the world, for which she was appreciated and still remembered by many people.

American jazz pianist, conductor, songwriter, jazzman, flautist, actor and composer, winner of 14 Grammy awards, one of the most influential jazz musicians. Hancock's music combines elements of rock and jazz along with freestyle elements. Hancock is a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and Chairman of the Thelonius Monk Jazz Institute. They say about Herbie: "The genius of pure simplicity."

Vocalist, musician, pianist, arranger, composer, harmonist. From childhood he was blind, but this did not prevent him from becoming a brilliant pianist at the age of 8. “He sees, because he feels,” his parents said. Wonder likes to use many complex chords in his compositions. US President Barack Obama is a longtime fan of Stevie Wonder's music. His name in English-speaking countries has become a household name for the blind.

The Negro guitarist Chuck Berry, who stood at the origins of rock and roll, had such an influence on this music that it is simply impossible to imagine this style without him. He composed many groovy songs that became examples of rock and roll, came up with many tricks that guitarists still repeat on stage. John Lennon's dictum is quite symptomatic: "If the term" rock and roll "did not exist, this music would have to be called" Chuck Berry "Chuck Berry". American musician Chuck Berry Chuck Berry 1926) (1926)

Bob Dylan is called the "revelation of America", and in this sense, his work is the opposite of the work of pop stars masters of allegory. It is known that in the songs, as if in a mirror, their author is reflected with all his actions and aspirations. Dylan's songs are characterized by a certain deliberateness and originality, emphasized by the independence of judgments. Even in his early years, he rejected any outside opinions about how to sing and write music. American singer and composer Bob Dylan American singer and composer Bob Dylan (1941) (1941)

With Elvis Presley, the stable phrase "King of Rock and Roll" is associated. He is ranked third among the greatest performers of all time and the greatest vocalists according to Rolling Stone magazine. During his career, Elvis Presley won three Grammy awards (1967, 1972, 1975), was nominated 14 times. In January 1971, the singer was awarded the Jaycee Award - as one of the "ten outstanding people of the year" American rock singer Elvis Presley ()

British rock band from Liverpool, founded in 1960, which included John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. The famous Liverpool band has achieved a lot of success, which are amazing even now, and which modern performers are trying to repeat. The highest achievements of the Beatles can be called the fact that their "A Day In The Life" is the best song in the UK, the album "Revolver" (1966) was recognized as the best album in the history of rock and roll, and a sad song called "Yesterday" in performed over seven million times in the last century. And that's not all the achievements of the Beatles!

Her success in the musical field is impressive. Today, the singer has been awarded 34 gold discs and 21 platinum discs. She has won two GRAMMY awards during her career. Since 1964, more than 60 million of her records have been sold in the world ... Her success in the musical field is impressive. Today, the singer has been awarded 34 gold discs and 21 platinum discs. She has won two GRAMMY awards during her career. Since 1964, more than 60 million of her records have been sold worldwide ... In 1992, four CDs of Barbra Streisand "Just for the Chronicle" were released, representing a sound illustration of her career, starting from the first sound recording in 1955. The discs contain recordings of early TV shows featuring Barbra Streisand, her awards speeches, and unreleased songs. 1992 saw the release of Barbra Streisand's four CDs, "Just for the Chronicle," an audio illustration of her career from the first recording in 1955. The discs contain recordings of early TV shows featuring Barbra Streisand, her awards speeches, and unreleased songs. “You have to live without subordinating your life to other people's opinions,” Barbra sums up her life experience. Only in this way you can not change yourself. “You have to live without subordinating your life to other people's opinions,” Barbra sums up her life experience. Only in this way you can not change yourself. American singer, composer, director, screenwriter, film actress (1942)

British rock band formed in 1964. The original line-up consisted of Pete Townsend, Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle and Keith Moon. The band gained huge success through extraordinary live performances and is considered both one of the most influential bands of the 60s and 70s and one of the greatest rock bands of all time. The Who became famous in their homeland both due to the innovative technique of breaking instruments on stage after the performance, and due to hit singles. The Who (Those same) 1964