Frances Allitsen

Full biography Frances Allitsen

Frances Allitsen (nee Bumpus) was a late Victorian-era composer who is often remembered for her ballads and art songs. She was born in London in 1848 and began her musical training at an early age. Her talents were quickly recognized, and she went on to study music at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Allitsen was highly respected for her compositions during her lifetime and was a prominent figure in London's musical community. She wrote a variety of works, including operas, sacred music, and instrumental pieces, but it was her ballads that were most popular and well-known.

One of her most famous compositions was "The Lute Player," a song that was highly praised by the famous composer, George Bernard Shaw. The song became an instant success and was performed widely in concert halls throughout England.

Despite her success, Allitsen faced much criticism for her music, which was considered too sentimental and melodramatic for the tastes of many critics. Nevertheless, she continued to make a name for herself in London's musical circles, and her songs continued to be popular among audiences.

Allitsen was also a highly respected teacher of music and taught at the Royal Academy of Music for several years. She believed in the importance of music education and strove to pass on her knowledge and skills to future generations.

Today, Frances Allitsen's music is still performed and admired by music enthusiasts around the world. Her contributions to the world of music have had a lasting impact and continue to inspire new generations of composers and performers.