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John Nicholson IrelandEnglish composer
Date of Birth: 13.08.1879
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
Early Life and Education
John Nicholson Ireland was born in Bowdon, near Altrincham, Manchester, in a family of Scottish descent. He was the youngest of five sons of Alexander Ireland, a publisher and owner of a local newspaper, and Annie Ireland, who was 30 years younger than her husband. Unfortunately, John's childhood was marked by the sadness of losing both his parents at a young age. His mother passed away in October 1893 when he was just 14 years old, and his father died a year later.
Despite the hardships, John pursued his education and enrolled at the Royal College of Music before the untimely death of his parents. Under the guidance of Charles Villiers Stanford, he learned the secrets of playing the piano and the organ. Through his interactions with Stanford, Ireland extensively studied the works of Beethoven, Brahms, and other German composers.
Career and Personal Life
Following his time at the Royal College of Music, Ireland became a teacher at the college. Many notable musicians and composers, such as Alan Bush, Geoffrey Bush, Ernest John Moeran, Benjamin Britten, and Anthony Bernard, were among his students. Additionally, he worked as an assistant organist at Holy Trinity, Sloane Street, and later became a full organist and choir master at St. Luke's Church in Chelsea.
Ireland found inspiration in the natural beauty of the Channel Islands, which he frequently visited. During World War II, he was evacuated from there. Throughout most of his life, the composer remained unmarried, except for a very brief period. On December 17, 1926, at the age of 47, Ireland married his 17-year-old student Dorothy Phillips. However, their marriage was dissolved on September 18, 1928, and it is rumored that it was never consummated. He also had a close relationship with another protege, composer and pianist Helen Perkin, to whom Ireland dedicated two piano concertos. Helen eventually married George Mountford Adie and moved to Australia, leading Ireland to cancel the dedications.
In 1947, Ireland found a longtime companion and assistant in Mrs. Norah Kirkby, who supported him until his death. Despite these relationships, some analysts of Ireland's music and songs see a homosexual subtext.
Later Life and Legacy
On September 10, 1949, a special concert was held to celebrate Ireland's 70th birthday, featuring a performance of his famous Piano Concerto by Eileen Joyce. It was later in 1942 that Joyce became the first to record this concerto. Ireland retired in 1953 and settled in a small village in Rock, Sussex, where he lived in a converted old mill. However, he passed away in Washington, Sussex, due to a heart attack. At the time of his death, Ireland was 82 years old.
John Nicholson Ireland left behind a significant musical legacy, known for his compositions and songs. His works continue to be appreciated and performed, showcasing his unique talent and contribution to English music.
