George Lloyd began composing at age ten and received rigorous musical training, including lessons from C. H. Kitson and Harry Farjeon.
Composer Biography
During World War II, George Lloyd served as a radio signaller on Arctic convoys and was traumatized when his ship was struck by one of its own torpedoes.
Composer Biography
George Lloyd's father was an amateur flautist with broad knowledge of Italian opera, and his mother played the violin and viola.
Compositional Technique
In An African Shrine, George Lloyd thought of the piano as a singing instrument, contrasting with the percussive approach common in the fifty years prior.
Composer's Artistic Vision
George Lloyd's first solo piano piece, An African Shrine, was written for pianist John Ogdon and conveys a message of sympathy for those who suffered from wartime violence.
Composition History
After the war, George Lloyd and his wife Nancy lived as market gardeners, growing carnations and mushrooms, during which time he continued to compose.
Composer's Artistic Vision
George Lloyd's artistic credo was to "just write what I have to write," reflecting the directness and emotional honesty of his music.
