Frederic Austin

Full biography Frederic Austin

Frederic William Austin was an English composer, baritone singer, and musical teacher who lived from 1872 to 1952. He is best known for his arrangement of the popular Christmas carol, "The Twelve Days of Christmas". In 1909, he set the lyrics of the song to a melody that has since become the standard tune associated with it.

Aside from his work on "The Twelve Days of Christmas", Austin also had a successful career in music. He composed a variety of music, including songs, instrumental and chamber music, incidental music, a concertino for piano and orchestra, and film scores. He was also a respected musicologist, particularly in the field of English music of the Victorian era, and wrote several books on the subject.

In addition to his musical accomplishments, Austin was a well-regarded teacher of music. He taught at the Royal Academy of Music in London and also served as a professor at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He was known for his dedication to his students and for his enthusiasm in teaching music.

Overall, Frederic Austin was a talented and influential composer, arranger, and music educator. Though he may be less well-known today, his contributions to the world of music live on through his compositions and arrangements, including his enduring version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas".