Cecil Coles

Full biography Cecil Coles

Cecil Frederick Coles was a Scottish composer who lived from 1888 to 1918. He is best known for his contributions to classical music, especially during his brief but bright career before his tragic death in the First World War.

Cecil Coles was born in Kirkcudbright, Scotland, and was a contemporary and friend of other notable composers of his time, such as Gustav Holst and Ralph Vaughan Williams. Coles was an aspiring composer and studied under Charles Villiers Stanford at the Royal College of Music in London.

During the First World War, Coles enlisted in the British Army and served as a Captain in France. He continued to write music while serving, including his most famous work, "Behind the Lines," which was written in 1917, a year before his death. The piece was inspired by his experiences on the front lines and is often performed as a way of honoring Coles and other composers who lost their lives in the war.

Coles was killed in action in April 1918, at the age of 29. His death was a great loss to the world of classical music, as he was considered to be a talented and promising young composer. Coles' music was largely forgotten after his death but has recently seen a revival through recordings and performances by modern-day orchestras and musicians.

Overall, Cecil Coles was a talented and innovative composer who made significant contributions to classical music during his brief career. His music continues to be remembered and celebrated today, and his legacy lives on in the numerous performances, recordings, and concert programs that pay tribute to his work.