Alfred Holmes (composer)
Encyclopedia
Alfred Holmes was an English violin
ist, composer
, and music educator. His compositional output includes orchestral works, chamber music, several works for solo violin, and some choral works.
Born in London, Holmes was the older brother of violinist and composer Henry Holmes
. Both men studied the violin initially with their father and then at the Spohr's Violin School. The brothers made their professional debut together when Alfred was just 10 years old, performing in concert as duettists at the Haymarket Theatre
on 13 July 1847. They then toured throughout Europe to much acclaim and violinist/composer Louis Spohr
dedicated his three violin duos to them. The brothers parted ways in 1864 with Alfred settling in Paris and Henry remaining in London.
In Paris, Holmes was highly active as a composer and produced a large amount of music during his 12 years there. He was also active as a recitalist, chamber musician, and concert soloist; notably forming his own string quartet
. He also taught the violin privately. He died in Paris in 1876 in his late 30s.
Violin
The violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
ist, composer
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
, and music educator. His compositional output includes orchestral works, chamber music, several works for solo violin, and some choral works.
Born in London, Holmes was the older brother of violinist and composer Henry Holmes
Henry Holmes (composer)
Henry Holmes was an English violinist, composer, and music educator. His compositional output includes a violin concerto, several works for solo violin, four symphonies, a concert overture, two sacred cantatas for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra, and other chamber and choral works.Born in...
. Both men studied the violin initially with their father and then at the Spohr's Violin School. The brothers made their professional debut together when Alfred was just 10 years old, performing in concert as duettists at the Haymarket Theatre
Haymarket Theatre
The Theatre Royal Haymarket is a West End theatre in the Haymarket in the City of Westminster which dates back to 1720, making it the third-oldest London playhouse still in use...
on 13 July 1847. They then toured throughout Europe to much acclaim and violinist/composer Louis Spohr
Louis Spohr
Louis Spohr was a German composer, violinist and conductor. Born Ludewig Spohr, he is usually known by the French form of his name. Described by Dorothy Mayer as "The Forgotten Master", Spohr was once as famous as Beethoven. As a violinist, his virtuoso playing was admired by Queen Victoria...
dedicated his three violin duos to them. The brothers parted ways in 1864 with Alfred settling in Paris and Henry remaining in London.
In Paris, Holmes was highly active as a composer and produced a large amount of music during his 12 years there. He was also active as a recitalist, chamber musician, and concert soloist; notably forming his own string quartet
String quartet
A string quartet is a musical ensemble of four string players – usually two violin players, a violist and a cellist – or a piece written to be performed by such a group...
. He also taught the violin privately. He died in Paris in 1876 in his late 30s.