Edgar Leslie Bainton

Edgar Leslie Bainton (1880–1956) was a British composer and educator whose music carries the lush, lyrical charm of early 20th-century English romanticism. Born in London, he studied under Charles Villiers Stanford at the Royal College of Music and later became a respected figure in music education, directing the Newcastle upon Tyne Conservatory of Music. Bainton’s life took a dramatic turn during World War I when he was interned in Germany—an experience that oddly fueled his creativity, leading to compositions like his hauntingly beautiful choral work *And I Saw a New Heaven*, which remains a staple of sacred music repertoires.

After the war, Bainton relocated to Australia, where he served as director of the New South Wales State Conservatorium, shaping the country’s musical landscape. His works, such as the *Concerto fantasia* and the evocative *Pavane, Idyll and Bacchanal*, blend rich orchestral textures with a distinctly English pastoral sensibility. Though less widely known than some contemporaries, Bainton’s choral and instrumental pieces, including those featured on releases like *The English Anthem 2*, reflect his gift for lyrical melody and emotional depth—a legacy quietly cherished by classical music enthusiasts.

Genres

Choral

Latest Release

Bainton: And I Saw a New Heaven

Edgar Leslie Bainton•

Choir of King's College, Cambridge•

Daniel Hyde

Single - Released March 19, 2021