Sir Arnold Malcolm is a well-known 20th-century English musician, conductor, and composer. He was born in 1921, and at the age of twelve, he started to learn how to play the trumpet. Before beginning his career in 1941, he managed to enroll in the Royal College of Music, where he improved not only his music skills but also studied composition (“Sir Malcolm Arnold CBE Biography”). Even though he was a student and played in the London Philharmonic Orchestra, he was forced to join the armed forces in 1944. However, he was dismissed after Malcolm deliberately shot himself in the leg.
That action allowed him to get back to his ordinary life and creating music. After one season of work in the BBC Symphony Orchestra, he again became a participant of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. However, since 1948 Sir Arnold Malcolm stopped playing trumpet and dedicated himself to an exclusive composer activity, and began to create music for concerts and films. Moreover, throughout his life, he also wrote several works, including nine symphonies, which became famous around the world. In his interview, Malcolm stated that “although I am proud of all my Symphonies as they all have something special to say, my particular favorite is the Fifth” (“Composer Interview Malcolm Arnold”). This composition was played by a MusicaNova Orchestra in 2017 at Central United Methodist Church (“Malcolm Arnold Symphony no. 5 MusicaNova, Warren Cohen conductor”). In addition, he actively participated in improving musical education in Britain by fundraising for the National Youth Orchestra. Unfortunately, Sir Arnold Malcolm passed away in September 2006 due to a chest infection. Nevertheless, his incredible works will remain in the history of music.
References
“Composer Interview: Malcolm Arnold”. Naxos Records. 2020. Web.
“Malcolm Arnold Symphony no. 5 MusicaNova, Warren Cohen conductor.” YouTube, uploaded by MusicaNova Orchestra, Web.
“Sir Malcolm Arnold CBE Biography”. Sir Malcolm Arnold CBE Appreciation,Web.