Alec Rowley
Mar 13, 1892 - Jan 12, 1958
England
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The Trinity College of Music in London established the Alec Rowley Memorial Prize in memory of Rowley's music work.

Alec Rowley, born on March 13, 1892, in Ealing, West London, was a notable composer and musician. He honed his musical skills at the Royal Academy of Music under the guidance of renowned mentors. Throughout his career, Rowley achieved recognition, including winning composition prizes and obtaining fellowships in prestigious music institutions. He held various positions as a church organist and became a respected broadcaster. Rowley's personal life was marked by two marriages that ended in separation, and he was known for his passion for tennis. Tragically, he passed away during a tennis match at the age of 65 in 1958. As a composer, Rowley was prolific, creating a substantial body of work. Many of his compositions were geared towards education and amateur performers, making them integral to aspiring pianists' repertoires. While he generally shied away from modernity, he occasionally ventured into more contemporary harmonic forms, drawing influence from French music. His oeuvre included orchestral pieces such as piano concertos, an Oboe Concerto, and a Rhapsody for viola and orchestra. Rowley also produced numerous songs and choral pieces, both sacred and secular. He had a particular focus on solo piano works, with over 250 pieces ranging from descriptive character suites to more formally structured compositions. In addition to his musical compositions, Rowley authored several educational books and served as a musical adviser to publishing houses. His contribution to the world of music remains significant, and his legacy endures through awards and prizes established in his honor.