Malcolm Arnold Quotes

A collection of quotes by Malcolm Arnold.

Malcolm Arnold was a prominent British composer and conductor. Born on October 21, 1921, in Northampton, England, he showed exceptional musical talent from a young age. At just 10 years old, he won a scholarship to the Royal College of Music.

Arnold commenced his career as a professional trumpeter, playing for renowned orchestras, including the BBC Symphony Orchestra. However, his true passion lay in composition, and he soon gained recognition for his exceptional musical skills. His early compositions, characterized by their lively and rhythmic nature, earned him critical acclaim.

During World War II, Arnold served in the military band, where he cultivated his talent for orchestration and composition. After the war, his career flourished with numerous works, including nine symphonies, concertos, film scores, and chamber music. In 1958, he was awarded the coveted Academy Award for his score in the movie "The Bridge on the River Kwai."

Arnold's compositions were versatile, encompassing a range of styles from traditional to modern and often infused with a distinctive British spirit. His music often resonates with a sense of humor and joie de vivre. Despite his success, Arnold battled with personal demons, including depression and alcoholism.

Malcolm Arnold passed away on September 23, 2006, leaving behind an impressive and diverse body of work that firmly cemented his place as one of Britain's finest composers of the 20th century.