Coates began his professional career as a viola player, studying with Lionel Tertis at the Royal Academy of Music and later becoming principal viola with the Queen's Hall Orchestra.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Coates's music often drew inspiration from his love for the English countryside, reflecting a nostalgic look back at his childhood.
Composer Biography
Eric Coates, a miniaturist in light music, wrote many popular hits in England and America, including the signature tune for the BBC radio programme Desert Island Discs.
Performer Biography
Sir Adrian Boult, the conductor on this album, was known for his ability to conduct light music with a delicate touch and an understanding of musical structure.
Cultural Impact
Sir Edward Elgar, a contemporary composer, greatly admired Coates's music and had a standing order with a gramophone company to receive all his new recordings.
Compositional Technique
Eric Coates was an early innovator in incorporating dance-band syncopation into symphony orchestra music, which was considered somewhat daring at the time.
Composition History
Coates initially turned down film work, but in 1954, at age 68, he accepted the film The Dam Busters, using an existing march he had already composed for its title piece.
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