Henry Holmes (composer)
Encyclopedia
Henry Holmes was an English violin
ist, composer
, and music educator. His compositional output includes a violin concerto
, several works for solo violin, four symphonies, a concert overture, two sacred cantata
s for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra, and other chamber
and choral works.
Born in London, Holmes was the younger brother of violinist and composer Alfred 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 Henry was just 8 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 London, Holmes was active as a recitalist, chamber musician, and concert soloist. He taught the violin privately and at the Royal College of Music
and spent much of his time composing. Some of his notable pupils include Arnold Dolmetsch
, Arthur Elwell Fisher
, and Kathleen Parlow
. He spent the last several years of his life in San Francisco, California
where he died in 1905 at the age of 66.
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 a violin concerto
Violin concerto
A violin concerto is a concerto for solo violin and instrumental ensemble, customarily orchestra. Such works have been written since the Baroque period, when the solo concerto form was first developed, up through the present day...
, several works for solo violin, four symphonies, a concert overture, two sacred cantata
Cantata
A cantata is a vocal composition with an instrumental accompaniment, typically in several movements, often involving a choir....
s for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra, and other chamber
Chamber music
Chamber music is a form of classical music, written for a small group of instruments which traditionally could be accommodated in a palace chamber. Most broadly, it includes any art music that is performed by a small number of performers with one performer to a part...
and choral works.
Born in London, Holmes was the younger brother of violinist and composer Alfred Holmes
Alfred Holmes (composer)
Alfred Holmes was an English violinist, composer, and music educator. His compositional output includes orchestral works, chamber music, several works for solo violin, and some choral works....
. 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 Henry was just 8 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 London, Holmes was active as a recitalist, chamber musician, and concert soloist. He taught the violin privately and at the Royal College of Music
Royal College of Music
The Royal College of Music is a conservatoire founded by Royal Charter in 1882, located in South Kensington, London, England.-Background:The first director was Sir George Grove and he was followed by Sir Hubert Parry...
and spent much of his time composing. Some of his notable pupils include Arnold Dolmetsch
Arnold Dolmetsch
Arnold Dolmetsch , was a French-born musician and instrument maker who spent much of his working life in England and established an instrument-making workshop in Haslemere, Surrey...
, Arthur Elwell Fisher
Arthur Elwell Fisher
Arthur Elwell Fisher was an English composer, organist, violist, violinist, and music educator who was primarily active in North America. His compositional output includes String Trio in G, Opus 54, a Rhapsody for violin and orchestra, a Thanksgiving Cantata, several works for solo piano and solo...
, and Kathleen Parlow
Kathleen Parlow
Kathleen Parlow was a child prodigy with her outstanding technique with a violin, which earned her the nickname "The lady of the golden bow"...
. He spent the last several years of his life in San Francisco, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
where he died in 1905 at the age of 66.