During World War I, Arthur Benjamin served in the infantry and then the Royal Flying Corps, where he was shot down over Germany and spent time in a prison camp writing music.
Performer Biography
Simon Crawford-Phillips, the pianist on this recording, has a varied career as a soloist, chamber musician, lieder accompanist, and conductor, and is a founding member of the Kungsbacka Trio.
Cultural Impact
Arthur Benjamin was a pioneer composer of film music, including scores for Alfred Hitchcock's The Man Who Knew Too Much, where his cantata Storm Clouds was used.
Performer Biography
Lawrence Power, the violist on this recording, was shortlisted for the Royal Philharmonic Society Instrumentalist Award in 2011 and performs with major orchestras worldwide.
Composer Biography
Arthur Benjamin was a child prodigy, giving piano recitals at age six and studying with the city organist in Brisbane at age nine.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Arthur Benjamin's early exposure to music led him to value different styles equally, influencing his versatility in composing both light and serious works.
Composer Biography
Arthur Benjamin, the composer, was one of the first Australian musicians to achieve an international reputation.
