Frederic Curzon

b. Ernest Frederic Curzon, 4 September 1899, London, England, d. 6 December 1973, Bournemouth, England. Largely unknown, but highly talented composer, who has contributed several important works to the light music repertoire. Curzon’s career began accompanying silent films, but he decided that he would prefer to concentrate on the organ, and was one of the first in Britain to play the ‘new’ electronic organ, giving many demonstration recitals. After 12 years at top London cinemas, in 1938 he decided to specialize in composing, although he still accepted occasional offers to perform on the BBC Theatre Organ. This decision had been prompted by the success of his ‘Robin Hood Suite’ (1937) especially the movement ‘March Of The Bowmen’ which appeared frequently in broadcasts for the following 20 years. His other important works included ‘The Boulevardier’ - his best-known piece which was published in 1941 although its fame was not assured until the Sidney Torch 1948 recording for EMI - Columbia, ‘Dance Of An Ostracised Imp’ (1940), ‘Punchinello’ (1948), ‘Bonaventure’, ‘Busybodies’, ‘Cascade’, ‘Chevalier’ ‘In Malaga’, ‘Over The Hills And Far Away’, ‘Summer Souvenirs’ and ‘Galavant’ (1950).