Ireland

12 July

July 12th

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, Ireland July, String Quartet No.2 Highgate, Wood

Charles Wood 15 June 1866 – 12 July 1926

String Quartet No.2 Highgate

Magnificat & Nunc dimittis in F Major "Collegium Regale" II. Nunc dimittis

Charles Wood
By Unknown photographer – FindaGrave.com, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=72224125

Charles Wood was an Irish composer and teacher, famous for his contributions to Anglican church music. He was born in Armagh, Ireland, where he grew up surrounded by music. His father sang in the choir at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which inspired Charles to become a treble chorister. He received his early education at the Cathedral Choir School and later attended the Royal College of Music, where he studied composition.

Wood had a successful teaching career, first at Selwyn College and then at Gonville and Caius College in Cambridge. He became the first director of music there and was known for his ability to inspire his students, including famous composers like Ralph Vaughan Williams and Herbert Howells. After his mentor passed away, Wood became Professor of Music at Cambridge, although his health was declining.

Wood married Charlotte Wills-Sandford in 1898, and they had five children. He passed away on 12 July 1926 and is buried in Cambridge, where a memorial to him can be found at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

19 March

March 19th: Elizabeth Maconchy

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, England, Europe, Ireland 20th Century, Elizabeth Maconchy, Female Composers, March, String Quartet No. 3

Elizabeth Maconchy – Facts for Kids (KS2, KS3 & KS4)

Elizabeth Maconchy was a British composer known for her powerful string quartets. This page is part of our Composer of the Day series, designed for classroom music listening and learning.

Listen to her music and explore more below.

Elizabeth Maconchy 19 March 1907 – 11 November 1994

String Quartet No. 3 Op. 15

Elizabeth Maconchy
By This work created by the United Kingdom Government is in the public domain.This is because it is one of the following:It is a photograph taken prior to 1 June 1957; orIt was published prior to 1975; orIt is an artistic work other than a photograph or engraving (e.g. a painting) which was created prior to 1975.HMSO has declared that the expiry of Crown Copyrights applies worldwide (ref: HMSO Email Reply)More information.See also Copyright and Crown copyright artistic works. – https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw47668/Dame-Elizabeth-Maconchy-Dame-Elizabeth-LeFanu, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=116176447

Dame Elizabeth Violet Maconchy LeFanu DBE was an English-Irish composer. She is regarded as one of the finest composers from Great Britain and Ireland. Born in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, to Irish parents, Maconchy grew up in both England and Ireland. Her family moved to Ireland in 1917, where she began her musical studies. At sixteen, she enrolled at the Royal College of Music in London, studying under notable composers. Maconchy faced challenges as a female composer in a male-dominated field. She produced over 200 works, including string quartets and operas, showcasing her unique style influenced by Béla Bartók. Her string quartets are particularly celebrated, as they reflect a dialogue between individual voices. Maconchy was also an advocate for women in music, helping to organise concerts for new composers. Throughout her life, she received numerous awards, including being made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Maconchy’s legacy continues to inspire musicians today, highlighting the importance of creativity and perseverance in the arts.

Listening Activity

Listen to String Quartet No. 3.

Think about:

What mood does the music create?
How do the instruments interact?
Does the music feel calm or tense?

Explore More Composers

This biography links directly to our reading comprehension resources, designed for KS2 and KS3 classrooms.

Browse Comprehension Resources

23 January

January 23rd: John Field

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, Ireland 18th Century, 19th Century, January, John Field, Piano Concerto in A-flat major, Romantic

John Field 26 July 1782 – 23 January 1837

Piano Concerto in A-flat major II: Poco Adagio

John Field
by Anton Wachsmann – This image comes from Gallica Digital Library and is available under the digital ID btv1b84179686, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3203020

John Field was an Irish pianist, composer, and teacher, credited as the inventor of the nocturne. This musical form features a beautiful melody over a flowing accompaniment. Field was born in Dublin into a musical family and studied under Tommaso Giordani. In 1793, his family moved to London, where he trained with Muzio Clementi, becoming a celebrated concert pianist. Field’s performances impressed many, including famous composers like Haydn and Beethoven.

He later settled in Russia, where he significantly influenced the music scene and taught many students, including Charles Mayer. Field’s compositions, especially his nocturnes, were admired for their emotional depth and innovative style, paving the way for later composers like Chopin and Liszt. His music often created a mood without needing words, showcasing the Romantic spirit of the time. Field’s legacy remains vital in understanding the evolution of piano music and the nocturne’s role in it, reflecting the rich cultural history of the early 19th century.