Eric Coates 1886 - 1957

Eric Coates is renowned as a leading British composer of light music * Started career as a violist, playing as Principal with the Queen's Hall Orchestra under Henry Wood * Orchestral music followed example of Edward German * Incorporated rhythms from dance band music in 1920s * Prolific as a song writer and composer of light music orchestral suites * Memorable melodies adopted as radio signature tunes including Knighstbridge (from London Suite) and his valse serenade By the Sleepy Lagoon (for Desert Island Discs) * Music popular for TV and film including his title March for The Dambusters and use of Halcyon Days from The Three Elizabeths for The Forsyte Saga