Wilfred Josephs

Wilfred Josephs (24 July 1927 - 17 November 1997) was an English composer.

Life

Born in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, Wilfred Josephs had his first musical studies in Newcastle with Arthur Milner, and showed early promise, but was persuaded by his parents to take up a 'sensible' career. He subsequently became a dentist, qualifying in 1951. He later studied at the Guildhall School in London.

In 1963 his Requiem, written in memory of the Jews who died during the Holocaust, won the first International Composing Competition of the City of Milan and La Scala - then the biggest musical award in the world, after which he gave up dentistry and became a full time composer.

In October 1996, a concert of his works was given at Newcastle University in his presence.

He died in London in 1997, leaving a wife, Valerie, and two daughters, Claudia and Philippa.

Works

Wilfred Josephs was a prolific composer and his classical works include 12 symphonies, 22 concertos, overtures, chamber music, operas, ballets, vocal works - almost all of which had been written to commission.

In particular, Josephs is remembered for composing the music for the television series "I, Claudius" and " The Great War" and the films "My Side of the Mountain", "Cider with Rosie" and "All Creatures Great and Small". He also composed incidental music for "The Prisoner".

His other notable works include an opera "Rebecca" (1983), based on Daphne du Maurier's novel, a ballet "Cyrano" (1991) and the "Aelian Dances", based on Newcastle folk songs (the title is a reference to Newcastle's Roman name.)

External links

* [http://www.musicweb.uk.net/josephs/index.htm The Wilfred Josephs Society]
* [http://www.musicweb.uk.net/josephs/obituary.htm Obituary by his publisher]