German, (Sir) Edward

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German, (Sir) Edward [ Jones, German Edward] (b Whitchurch, Salop, 1862; d London, 1936). Eng. composer. Played in th. orchs., soon becoming cond. Mus. dir., Globe Th. from 1888, writing incidental mus. for Shakespeare's plays (incl. some of Irving's prods.) which made him famous. Greatest success was patriotic operetta Merrie England (1902). Among his popular songs are Rolling Down to Rio (1903) and Glorious Devon (1905). Also wrote attractive mus. for pf. Knighted 1928. Prin. works:LIGHT OPERAS: The Emerald Isle (1901, completion of Sullivan's last work); Merrie England (1902); A Princess of Kensington (1902); Tom Jones (1907); Fallen Fairies (1909).THEATRE MUSIC: Richard III (1889); Henry VIII (1892); Romeo and Juliet (1895); As You Like It (1896); Much Ado About Nothing (1898); Nell Gwyn (1900).ORCH.: Syms. No.1 (1887, rev. 1890) and No.2 (‘Norwich’, 1893); Hamlet, sym.-poem (1897); Welsh Rhapsody (1904); Coronation March (based on Henry VIII) (1911); Theme and 6 Diversions (1919).

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