Classical Composers A-Z: Edmund Rubbra
Peter Wintersgill introduces us to the English composer Emund Rubbra, who worked as a railway clerk at the age of 14.
Born
23rd May, 1901, in Northampton.
Adolescence
Worked as railway clerk at 14, then studied at the Royal College of Music and Reading University with Scott, Holst and Morris.
Adult Life
Taught at Oxford University and G.S.M., wrote music criticism and composed music for a travelling theatre group.
He was first recognised with his First Symphony (1937), and he wrote ten more. Number Nine was choral - Sinfonia Sacra (1973). He was especially successful in choral works, writing five motets and five madrigals. He also wrote piano, cello and violin concertos and four string quartets.
He served in the Army 1941-1945, converted to Roman Catholicism in 1948.
He died 13th February, 1986, at Gerrards Cross, aged 84.
