One of the most popular and versatile of British 20th century composers, particularly acclaimed for his works in a lighter vein * Gordon Jacob was educated at Dulwich College and studied composition at the Royal College of Music with Stanford, Parry and Howells * Taught at Birkbeck College before returning to the RCM in 1926 as a lecturer for 40 years, where his pupils included Malcolm Arnold, Imogen Holst, Elizabeth Maconchy and Bernard Stevens * Music characterized by craftsmanship, virtuosity of instrumentation, and lively wit * Output includes valuable concertos for neglected instruments * Through skillful arrangements furthered cause of other composers including William Byrd, Vaughan Williams and Holst * Text books an important resource for composition teaching, including Orchestral Technique (1931) and The Composer and his Art (1960) * Vital interest in practical musicmaking, including conducting orchestras and bands
"I think the question of communication is important, because one never wants to write down to an audience, but at the same time I personally feel repelled by the intellectual snobbery of some progressive artists... the day that melody is discarded altogether, you may as well pack up music..." — Gordon Jacob
