1875-1912
A British composer whose music often reminds me of Dvořák. I like Coleridge-Taylor's orchestral music, but I think it is his chamber music which really stands out from the crowd.
Since he was so short-lived, I fear he was never able to fully get a chance to develop and prosper as a composer. Nonetheless, there is a sizeable list of compositions from Coleridge-Taylor, and we are only beginning to recognize his talents.
It is The Song of Hiawatha which is his most epic contribution to the music world. Three sizeable cantatas taken from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, with a long and successful performance history in Britain.
I have noticed a lot of Coleridge-Taylor's music beginning to be regularly programmed at symphony concerts. Hopefully many more will be recorded; it seems to me that recent trends are moving favorably for the composer's music, and an audience awaits.
Recordings and reviews currently on hand (Click below to visit):
2002: The Song of Hiawatha & Symphonic Variations
2006: Symphony in A Major
2006: Christmas Overture
2007: Violin Concerto
2007: Quintets
2022: Chamber Music
2022: Orchestral Music