During World War II, William Busch, a Conscientious Objector, relocated to Woolacombe, Devon, joined the Auxiliary Fire Service, and continued composing, including a cello concerto.
Composer Biography
William Busch died in 1945 after suffering hypothermia and internal bleeding while walking home in a blizzard, as doctors and ambulances could not reach him.
Composer Biography
William Busch, the main composer featured on this album, was born in North London in 1901 and died in Woolacombe, Devonshire, in 1945.
Composer Biography
William Busch initially trained as a concert pianist, studying in America and Berlin, but later found his true talent lay in composition.
Performer Biography
Roderick Williams, a baritone on this recording, was awarded an OBE in 2017 and was nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Opera in both 2018 and 2019 Olivier Awards.
Composition History
William Busch's first two songs, "Sweet Content" and "Rest," were produced in 1933, marking the beginning of his enthusiasm for setting poems to music.
Composition History
William Busch's last complete composition was the song cycle "There Have Been Happy Days," which sets five poems by Great War poet Wilfred Gibson.
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