Eric Fenby

Full biography Eric Fenby

Eric William Fenby (1906-1997) was an English composer, conductor, pianist, organist, and musicologist. He is probably best known for his collaboration with the elderly composer, Frederick Delius. In 1928, Fenby, then a young musician of 22, wrote to the ailing Delius, offering to help him complete his unfinished works. Delius, who was blind and paralyzed, accepted the offer, and Fenby moved into his home in Grez-sur-Loing, France, where he acted as the composer's amanuensis. Fenby spent five years writing down Delius' compositions as he dictated them and helping him with the orchestration. He also assisted with the composer's daily needs, such as dressing and eating.

Fenby's work with Delius resulted in some of the composer's finest music. The two men collaborated on several works, including the tone poem "Irmelin" and the opera "Margot La Rouge," which was completed just weeks before Delius' death. Fenby himself composed a number of works, many of which were premiered at the Proms. These included a piano concerto, a symphony, a suite for strings, and a cantata.

Fenby was also an accomplished writer. He authored several books on music, including "Delius As I Knew Him," a memoir of his time with the composer, which has become a classic of musical literature. Additionally, Fenby contributed articles to several newspapers and magazines, including The Guardian and The Musical Times.

In recognition of his achievements as a composer and musicologist, Fenby was awarded an OBE in 1982. He continued to compose and perform music well into his 80s, and remained an active contributor to musical life until his death in 1997.