Alan Bush: A Source Book

Alan Bush was an English composer, conductor, and pianist who studied with Corder and Matthay, and privately with John Ireland. He was appointed professor of harmony and composition at the Royal Academy of Music in 1925 and continued to study at Berlin University. This Source Book documents his works and arrangements of music by other composers, with detailed information including printed scores, CD recordings, bibliographical material, and manuscript scores.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Alan Bush, an esteemed English composer, conductor, and pianist, embarked on his musical journey in 1900. His education was shaped by the guidance of renowned musicians such as Corder and Matthay, as well as private lessons with the esteemed John Ireland. His talent and dedication led to his appointment as a professor of harmony and composition at the Royal Academy of Music in 1925, a position he held until 1978.

During his tenure at the Royal Academy of Music, Bush continued to expand his knowledge and expertise. In 1929-31, he furthered his studies at Berlin University, where he had the privilege of receiving piano lessons from renowned musicians Moiseiwitsch and Schnabel. This period of intensive learning and exploration greatly enriched his musical repertoire and technical skills.

To preserve and document his extensive body of work, Bush's compositions, arrangements, and other musical materials are meticulously documented in the present Source Book. This comprehensive resource provides a wealth of detail, including printed scores, CD recordings, bibliographical information, and manuscript scores, with the majority of these materials recently deposited in the British Library by the Bush family. A chronology of the composer's life is also included, drawing on a diverse range of sources, including letters and scrapbooks, providing a deeper understanding of his artistic journey.

Alan Bush's contributions to the world of music are profound, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians to this day. His dedication to his craft, his willingness to explore new musical horizons, and his commitment to preserving his musical heritage have earned him a place in the annals of musical history. Through the meticulous documentation and presentation of his works in the Source Book, his music reaches a wider audience, allowing future generations to appreciate the beauty and depth of his compositions.

Weight: 310g
Dimension: 157 x 231 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138618800