British Modern Classical

British modern classical music, spanning roughly from the late 19th to the mid-20th century, encapsulates a distinctive evolution of classical tradition infused with a mix of Romanticism, pastoral influences, and an exploration of national identity. This genre saw composers like Edward Elgar and Arnold Bax adopting rich, emotional expressions while maintaining a dialogue with European compositional techniques. Their works often feature lush orchestral landscapes, thematic complexity, and a deep connection to British folklore, literature, and scenery. Engaging with varied forms, from chamber music to expansive symphonies, the genre echoes the turbulence of the era, reflecting both the pastoral serenity and the intense upheavals of the times. British modern classical remains a vibrant testament to the country’s cultural legacy and its ability to meld tradition with innovation.

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Alan Rawsthorne
Arnold Bax
Arthur Bliss
Benjamin Britten
Edmund Rubbra
Edward Elgar
Ernest John Moeran
Ethel Smyth
Eugene Goossens
Frank Bridge
George Butterworth
George Dyson
Gerald Finzi
Granville Bantock
Gustav Holst
Havergal Brian
Helen Hopekirk
Hubert Parry
Ivor Gurney
John Ireland
Kenneth Leighton
Peter Warlock
Phyllis Tate
Rebecca Clarke
Richard Addinsell
Ronald Stevenson
William Alwyn
William Walton
York Bowen
Edward Elgar
Gustav Holst
William Walton
Benjamin Britten
Gerald Finzi
Peter Warlock
Hubert Parry
Frank Bridge
John Ireland
Eugene Goossens
Edmund Rubbra
George Butterworth
Richard Addinsell
Rebecca Clarke
York Bowen
Arthur Bliss
William Alwyn
Ernest John Moeran
Ethel Smyth
Kenneth Leighton
Ivor Gurney
Arnold Bax
Havergal Brian
George Dyson
Ronald Stevenson
Granville Bantock
Alan Rawsthorne
Helen Hopekirk
Phyllis Tate