Composer. Like many British musicians of his generation he drew inspiration from folk sources, though in form and color his music has a closer affinity with the French school. His best works include "Vagabond Songs" (1910), the tone poem "The Forsaken Merman" (1914), and the lovely symphonic suite "English Pastoral Impressions" (1915). In 1915 Farrar was called up for World War I military service and spent three years as an officer on the Western Front. He was granted leave in the Summer of 1918 and conducted the premiere of his final opus, the "Heroic Elegy", dedicated to his fallen comrades. Farrar returned to duty in September and within days was killed in the Battle of Epehy. Today he is probably best remembered as the teacher of composer Gerald Finzi, who was so stunned by Farrar's death that he became a lifelong pacifist.
Composer. Like many British musicians of his generation he drew inspiration from folk sources, though in form and color his music has a closer affinity with the French school. His best works include "Vagabond Songs" (1910), the tone poem "The Forsaken Merman" (1914), and the lovely symphonic suite "English Pastoral Impressions" (1915). In 1915 Farrar was called up for World War I military service and spent three years as an officer on the Western Front. He was granted leave in the Summer of 1918 and conducted the premiere of his final opus, the "Heroic Elegy", dedicated to his fallen comrades. Farrar returned to duty in September and within days was killed in the Battle of Epehy. Today he is probably best remembered as the teacher of composer Gerald Finzi, who was so stunned by Farrar's death that he became a lifelong pacifist.
Bio by: Bobb Edwards
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