Sir Arthur Bliss

Standing out from the Crowd

Paul Spicer

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Paperback

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English

The Crowood Press Ltd
01 August 2022

Music; Individual composers & musicians, bands & groups

Arthur Bliss (18911975) was one of the most important British musicians of his age. Born into a family where music played a highly significant role, his talent emerged early. He served with distinction in the Great War, in which he was both injured and gassed. After the War he set the musical world alight with ultra-modern works, earning himself the soubriquet enfant terrible and leading to his first major work, the Colour Symphony. His dual American/British birthright led to a close connection with the USA and marriage to an American girl, Trudy Hoffman, who would be a mainstay of his life. Before long he became the most performed British composer abroad and his portfolio of works included ballet, film (H.G. Wells's Things to Come remains one of the finest film scores), opera, orchestral, chamber, choral works and song. He was a diplomat, a skill that was recognised in many appointments from the Government to travel using music as soft power, notably to Russia in 1956. He served as Director of Music at the BBC from 19424, was knighted and soon after appointed Master of the Queen's Music. Bliss was a private figure who stated that the only way to get to know him was through his music. Paul Spicer takes this as his starting point for this pioneering biography, which underlines the timely importance of a complete reappraisal of this important composer's music.

AUTHOR: Paul Spicer is a leading authority on twentieth-century British music. He was a student of Herbert Howells at the Royal College of Music and later wrote his biography, following this with an authoritative life of Sir George Dyson. His work as a choral conductor has seen him develop this work in performance, backed up by an extensive discography.

By: Paul Spicer
Imprint: The Crowood Press Ltd
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm, Spine: 25mm
Weight: 824g
ISBN: 9780719816338
ISBN 10: 0719816335
Pages: 384
Publication Date: 01 August 2022
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Unspecified

PAUL SPICER is a leading authority on twentieth-century British music. He was a student of Herbert Howells at the Royal College of Music and later wrote his biography, following this with an authoritative life of Sir George Dyson. His work as a choral conductor has seen him develop this work in performance, backed up by an extensive discography.

Reviews for Sir Arthur Bliss: Standing out from the Crowd

I have read the book – it is quite terrific and with a quite enviable sense of flow. In fact a great read, even page turning. Many congratulations. Really wonderful sense of detail in many places. -- Dr Lewis Foreman, distinguished author and expert on British Music of the 20th century. * Dr Lewis Foreman, distinguished author and expert on British Music of the 20th century. *