Ernest Farrar

Full biography Ernest Farrar

Ernest Bristow Farrar (1885-1918) was an English composer, pianist, and organist, best known for his contributions to classical music during World War I. He was born in London on July 7, 1885, and showed a keen interest in music at a very young age. He studied composition with Charles Villiers Stanford at the Royal College of Music in London and was a fellow student of Gustav Holst and Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Farrar enlisted in the Grenadier Guards in 1915 as a result of the outbreak of World War I. Despite his active duty, he continued composing, and during his time on the frontline, he wrote several pieces of music. One of his most famous works, the "English Pastoral Impressions," was written while he was serving in France.

Farrar was killed in action on September 18, 1918, in the Battle of Epéhy, just weeks before the end of the war. His passing was a huge loss to the music world as many believed he had enormous potential. With only a handful of his works published before his death, his contribution to music during World War I was relatively unnoticed for many years after his death.

However, the legacy of Farrar's music began gaining recognition in the 1920s, especially after the influential composer, Ralph Vaughan-Williams, wrote a letter to The Times praising Farrar's music. Vaughan-Williams regarded Farrar's works highly, referring to him as "a man of exceptional promise."

Today, Ernest Farrar is remembered for his enduring contribution to classical music, even though he passed away relatively young. His music has found its way into the broader classical repertoire, and many of his works have been performed in various countries worldwide.