Wilfred Josephs

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Wilfred Josephs (born Newcastle upon Tyne, 24 July 1927 - died London, 17 November 1997) was an English composer.

[edit] Life

Wilfred Josephs had his first musical studies in Newcastle with Arthur Milner, and showed early promise, but was persuaded by his parents to take up a 'sensible' career. He subsequently became a dentist, qualifying in 1951. He later studied at the Guildhall School in London.

In 1963 his Requiem, written in memory of the Jews who died during the Holocaust, won the first International Composing Competition of the City of Milan and La Scala - then the biggest musical award in the world, after which he gave up dentistry and became a full time composer.

In October 1996, a concert of his works was given at Newcastle University in his presence.

He died in 1997 leaving his wife, Valerie, and two daughters, Claudia and Philippa.

[edit] Works

Wilfred Josephs was a prolific composer and his classical works include 12 symphonies, 22 concertos, overtures, chamber music, operas, ballets, vocal works - almost all of which had been written to commission.

In particular, Josephs is remembered for composing the music for the television series I, Claudius and World War I and the films Cider with Rosie and All Creatures Great and Small. He also composed incidental music for The Prisoner.

His other notable works include an opera Rebecca (1983), based on Daphne du Maurier's novel, a ballet Cyrano (1991) and the Aelian Dances, based on Newcastle folk songs (the title is a reference to Newcastle's Roman name.)