About
British cellist, composer and music professor who helped popularize the cello as a solo instrument in the early years of the 20th century. He was principle cello in several major London orchestras, gave public concerts throughout the British Isles and made recordings. His own composition work included light solo pieces for the cello and a cello concerto. He left a lasting imprint on music education with his collection of student-level works for cello and piano which appear in string teaching syllabuses all over the world.
Before Fame
His first public appearance as a solo cellist was when he was only six, in the town hall at Kingsbridge in Devon. At 12 he was granted a cello scholarship to attend the Royal College of Music. He made his professional debut at a chamber music concert at St. James's Hall in London in 1891.
Trivia
He became professor of cello at the Royal College and Guildhall schools of music. The French composer Gabriel Fauré dedicated to him his cello piece "Sicilienne." He made his final appearance in October of 1941 in a public concert at the Festival of Arts in Exeter Cathedral. He has played for royalty on multiple occasions. He died in London at age 91.
Family Life
He grew up in a musical family as one of eight children. His father was a banker and gifted amateur violinist. In 1899 he married his wife, Marion S. Warren.
Associated With
He arranged the music of Frederic Chopin, Johann Sebastian Bach and other well-known composers for the cello.
