William Sterndale Bennett

Sir William Sterndale Bennett was a renowned British composer, pianist, and conductor, born on April 13, 1816, in Sheffield, Yorkshire. He began his musical journey at a young age, becoming a chorister at King's College, Cambridge, and entering the Royal Academy of Music in 1826 to study violin, piano, and composition. Bennett's early compositions, particularly his piano concertos, garnered significant attention, including praise from Felix Mendelssohn, who became a close friend and mentor. This led to Bennett spending time in Leipzig, where he also befriended Robert Schumann. Throughout his career, Bennett held various prestigious positions, including being a director of the Philharmonic Society in London and founding the London Bach Society. He was knighted in 1871 and served as Professor of Music at the University of Cambridge from 1856 until his death on February 1, 1875.

Bennett's career was marked by periods of intense creativity, followed by phases where he focused more on teaching and administration. Despite his early promise, he faced challenges in maintaining a consistent output of compositions, partly due to high expectations and self-doubt. However, he continued to perform and promote music, notably conducting the first English performance of Bach's *St Matthew Passion*. His students included notable figures like Arthur Sullivan and Hubert Parry. Bennett's legacy includes a range of compositions, including piano concertos and chamber music, which remain celebrated for their elegance and craftsmanship.

Genres

Classical

Opera

Choral

Chamber Music

Art Song

Latest Release

Chamber Trio in A Major, Op. 26: II. Serenade. Andante ma un poco scherzando

William Sterndale Bennett

Single - Released September 1, 2023