Samuel Coleridge-Taylor was born on August 15, 1875, in London and spent his childhood in Croydon. After his father's return to Sierra Leone and his mother's remarriage, he grew up as a Black boy in a white family. His musical talent was evident early on: he began playing the violin as a child and was encouraged by Colonel Walters. At the age of fifteen, Coleridge-Taylor began studying at the Royal College of Music, where his compositional abilities quickly gained recognition. His teacher, Sir Charles Villiers Stanford, significantly supported him in his musical development. His anthem "In Thee, O Lord," published by Novello when he was sixteen, is particularly noteworthy.
His compositional success grew rapidly, especially with works such as the Clarinet Quintet. Elgar's recommendation to the Three Choirs Festival in Gloucester brought Coleridge-Taylor further acclaim. With 'Hiawatha's Wedding Feast,' he quickly secured an important place in the British musical landscape. Despite financial difficulties, he remained productive and ambitious; alongside his work as a conductor, he wrote numerous compositions, including popular dances and salon pieces.
His diverse works for violin include the 'Two Romantic Pieces' and the 'Valse Caprice.' He dedicated his last major work, the Violin Concerto, to Maud Powell. Arthur Somervell, known as a song composer, made lasting contributions to music with his 'Thalassa Symphony' and other works.
Somervell's music is characterized by a distinctly English tone. Among his well-known compositions is the orchestral ballad 'Helen of Kirkonnell.' The Violin Concerto written for Adila Fachiri is a sensitive work in the classic three-movement form. The Adagio, in particular, captivates with its romantic atmosphere and poetic melodies.
His works, which Tovey considered contemporary, combine folkloric elements with artistic depth. Somervell masterfully blends lyrical themes and delicate harmonies into an elegant musical language, as is evident in the 'Rondo Allegro giocoso'. Overall, his compositions reflect a fusion of traditional elegance and patriotic spirit.
Somervell's compositions, which Tovey judged to be contemporary, combine folkloric elements with artistic depth.