Alfred Holmes

Full biography Alfred Holmes

Alfred Holmes was an English violinist and composer born on November 9, 1837, in London. He began studying violin at a young age and quickly showed exceptional talent, leading to his debut as a soloist at the age of 10. Holmes went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London and later became a professor of violin at that institution in 1864.

As a composer, Alfred Holmes wrote four symphonies, two cantatas, a violin concerto which premiered in London in December 1865, and several other works for violin, orchestra, and chamber ensembles. Throughout his life, Holmes was known for his virtuosic skills on the violin, and it is likely that his own performances informed his writing for that instrument.

Despite his relatively short life, Holmes left a notable legacy in the world of classical music. His works were well-regarded by his contemporaries, and his contributions to the development of the violin as a solo instrument were significant. Today, several of his compositions are still performed, and he is remembered as an important figure in the history of English music.