NAME Frederick Delius
WHAT FAMOUS FOR Being a renowned English composer of late Romantic music, known for his distinctive and expressive style.
BIRTH Frederick Delius was born on January 29, 1862, in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. He was baptized as "Fritz Theodore Albert Delius" and continued to use the name Fritz until his forties.
FAMILY BACKGROUND Delius was of German-Scandinavian descent, the second of four sons born to Julius Delius and Elise Pauline (née Krönig). His family was large, including ten daughters alongside the four sons. His father was a wealthy wool merchant, and the family had strong ties to their German heritage.
CHILDHOOD Growing up in a prosperous household, Delius experienced a privileged upbringing. However, his early years were marked by tension between his father's desire for him to pursue a commercial career and Delius's passion for music. Despite his father's expectations, Delius's love for music began to flourish during his formative years.
EDUCATION Delius's formal education included, Bradford Grammar School (1874-1878) and International College in Isleworth, near London (1878-1880). His time at Bradford Grammar School was reportedly unhappy1. However, the move to Isleworth proved significant, as it allowed Delius access to London's vibrant concert scene, exposing him to a variety of musical ideas
Delius's formal musical education began relatively late. At the age of 20, after a brief stint as an orange planter in Florida—where he also studied music in his spare time—he entered the Leipzig Conservatory in 1886. There, he studied under renowned instructors and became a friend of the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, who greatly influenced his musical development.
CAREER RECORD Left England for Florida in 1884 to manage orange groves.
Discovered a love for the American South and its music, influencing his compositional style.
Returned to Europe and began serious music studies in Leipzig and Paris.
Composed a wide range of works, including orchestral pieces, operas, choral works, and songs.
Notable works: "Sea Drift," "On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring," "A Mass of Life"
APPEARANCE Frederick Delius' appearance underwent a significant transformation throughout his life, reflecting both his youthful vigor and the health struggles he faced later.
In his early years, Delius was a remarkably handsome and energetic young man. His sister's recollections depict him as a skilled horseman, hinting at an athletic physique in his youth.
As Delius reached his prime, he continued to be known for his good looks. He possessed a strong, somewhat disdainful face, with every line etched by his adventurous life.
However, as Delius aged and his health deteriorated due to syphilis, his appearance changed dramatically. By 1928, he had become partially paralyzed and blind. Dark glasses shielded his sightless eyes, and he was often confined to a wheelchair.
Despite the physical decline, observers remarked that there was nothing pitiable about Delius' demeanor. Even in his later years, he retained his strong and somewhat disdainful facial features.
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| Delius, photographed in 1907 |
FASHION Delius favored elegant, understated clothing that suited his status as a cultured artist. His wardrobe often included tailored suits and tasteful accessories that reflected his appreciation for refinement. In his later years he often favored a loose white shirt with an open collar.
CHARACTER Delius was known for his determination and independence, often defying societal and familial expectations to follow his passion for music. He was also deeply introspective and sensitive, traits that found expression in the emotive depth of his compositions.
SPEAKING VOICE Frederick Delius' speaking voice was notable for its distinctive Yorkshire accent, which he retained throughout his life despite spending much of his adulthood abroad. This accent was a reflection of his upbringing in Bradford, Yorkshire, where he was born and raised.
Delius was known for speaking his mind regardless of censure6. His conversation style was characterized by a certain bluntness and lack of filter, which aligned with his strong opinions on various subjects.
SENSE OF HUMOUR Frederick Delius was known for a dry and understated sense of humor. He often used wit to lighten serious conversations, particularly when discussing the challenges of his work or dealing with his critics.
His sister Clare described him as having a "highly developed" sense of humor and an "infectious" laugh. She noted that he was "entirely devoid of mannerisms" in his humor.
RELATIONSHIPS Delius' most enduring and impactful relationship was with his wife, the German artist Jelka Rosen. They met at a dinner party in Paris in 1896, drawn together by a shared admiration for Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophy and Edvard Grieg's music. Jelka purchased a house in Grez-sur-Loing, France, where Delius moved into.
Their wedding in September 1903 was a relatively quiet affair, befitting Delius's private nature. Their marriage, though unconventional, was deeply devoted. Jelka, initially the primary breadwinner, remained unwavering in her support of Delius despite his infidelities.
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| Frederick Delius with Jelka Rosen in 1929 |
Beyond his marriage, Delius was known for his romantic entanglements. During his time in Florida, he allegedly fathered a child with a local woman named Chloe. In Paris, he cultivated a reputation as "Le Grand Anglais," attracting numerous female admirers. His friend Florent Schmitt famously encouraged him to "flirt well," advice that Delius evidently embraced.
Delius also forged crucial professional relationships that significantly impacted his career. Edvard Grieg provided invaluable support and encouragement during Delius' early musical endeavors. Thomas F. Ward, an organist in Florida, imparted valuable music theory lessons, leaving a lasting mark on Delius' musical development. Sir Thomas Beecham emerged as a fervent champion of Delius' music, introducing it to audiences across the English-speaking world. In his later years, Eric Fenby served as Delius' invaluable amanuensis, assisting him in composing music during a period of blindness and paralysis.
Furthermore, Delius cultivated friendships with a diverse array of artists and musicians. In Paris, he formed close bonds with renowned figures such as the writer August Strindberg, the painter Edvard Munch, and the artist Paul Gauguin. These relationships undoubtedly enriched his life and broadened his artistic horizons.
MONEY AND FAME Jelka's inheritance from her distinguished Schleswig-Holstein family provided financial security, allowing Delius the freedom to focus entirely on his music. Although he achieved significant fame during his lifetime, his reputation grew more posthumously. His most celebrated works, such as "On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring" (1912), remain staples of classical music.
FOOD AND DRINK Delius favored simple, hearty fare. Bread and milk, often accompanied by a glass of water, seem to have been staples in his diet. His wife, Jelka, would occasionally prepare dandelion salads for him, utilizing fresh leaves from their garden.
During his time in Florida, Delius frequented local bars in Jacksonville. As a young man, he immersed himself in the vibrant Parisian cafe scene, socializing in the bohemian haunts of Montmartre.
In Florida, Delius relished his evening meals on the veranda of his home at Solano Grove, savoring the tranquil ambiance.
He often hosted intimate gatherings at his home, where meals were paired with lively conversation about music and the arts.
COMPOSING Delius began composing seriously in his twenties—a tardy entrance compared to the child prodigy crowd, who are usually busy rewriting symphonies in crayon by then. His earliest works, such as the "Florida Suite" (1887), drew on his time as an orange planter in the Sunshine State. Yes, you read that right. Before becoming a composer, he tried his hand at agriculture, with results best described as…fruity but not profitable.
During these formative years, Delius found himself musically smitten by Edvard Grieg, whose friendship and guidance helped steer him toward a serious career. Wagner also loomed large in Delius’ development, though thankfully, Delius’ style never veered into Wagnerian bombast.
By the 1890s, Delius was putting his stamp on operas like "Irmelin" (1890–92) and "The Magic Fountain" (1894–95). These works hinted at his emerging style: lush harmonies, meandering melodies, and the occasional nod to the exotic. With "Koanga" (1895–97), he really started to hit his stride, experimenting with faster rhythms and thicker textures. It wasn’t long before people stopped saying, “Who’s Delius?” and started saying, “Who is this Delius?”
As the 20th century dawned, so did Delius’ mature style—a dreamy, pastoral sound that felt as if someone had distilled the essence of summer afternoons and bottled it in music. Key works include "Paris: The Song of a Great City" (1899), an orchestral ode to the French capital that’s less about sightseeing and more about soaking up the atmosphere.
Then came A Village Romeo and Juliet (1899–1901), his opera featuring the exquisite interlude, "The Walk to the Paradise Garden." It’s the sort of music that makes you want to fling yourself into a meadow and contemplate life’s mysteries—or at least pause to smell the flowers.
Delius’ large-scale choral works from this period, such as Appalachia (1902) and A Mass of Life (1904–05), cemented his reputation as a composer of grandeur and ambition.
In the 1900s, Delius pivoted toward smaller-scale compositions. Works like "Brigg Fair" (1907) and "In a Summer Garden" (1908) epitomize his lyrical style, capturing the kind of bucolic bliss that would make Wordsworth weep.
His "Violin Concerto" (1916) and "Double Concerto for Violin and Cello" (1916) showcased a more intimate side of his artistry. Chamber music, including a "String Quartet" and "Cello Sonata," also made its way into his repertoire. By this point, Germany had fallen hard for Delius, frequently performing his works and giving him a celebrity status that must have felt slightly surreal for the Bradford-born composer.
The 1920s brought challenges as Delius was struck by blindness and paralysis, likely from syphilis contracted in his youth. Enter Eric Fenby, a young Englishman who offered to help the ailing composer transcribe his music. Their partnership resulted in some of Delius’ most poignant works, including "A Song of Summer" and "Songs of Farewell."
Delius’ final piece, "Idyll" (1932), reworked music from his opera Margot la Rouge, bringing his career full circle.
MUSIC AND ARTS Music was, of course, central to Delius's life. After 1890, he composed prolifically, creating six operas, including A Village Romeo and Juliet (1901), and a variety of orchestral and choral works such as Appalachia (1902).
He was also deeply immersed in the visual arts, surrounded by artists like Jelka Rosen, whose paintings often inspired his compositions.
LITERATURE Delius admired literature and often drew inspiration from literary works. His operas and choral compositions frequently reflected narrative and poetic themes, blending his love for storytelling with his passion for music.
Delius was particularly fascinated by the works of Friedrich Nietzsche. His interest in Nietzsche influenced some of his compositions, including A Mass of Life and Requiem.
NATURE Delius possessed a deep appreciation for the natural world. He found solace in watching sunrises and sunsets from the veranda of his home in Florida. He also developed a profound love for the Norwegian landscape, often embarking on invigorating hikes through its scenic beauty.
A profound connection to nature permeated Delius’s work. His compositions, such as On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring, evoke vivid images of the natural world. He spent much of his life in the idyllic French countryside, finding solace and creativity in its serene landscapes.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS Delius’s primary "hobby" was his work, which he treated with unwavering dedication. When not composing, he enjoyed engaging in lively discussions about art, philosophy, and nature with his friends and contemporaries.
Delius was a passionate cricket enthusiast. In his youth, he played the game in picturesque Yorkshire villages like Gristhorpe and Hunmanby. He proudly claimed to have been an exceptional batsman and fielder in his prime. Even later in life, his interest in cricket remained strong, and he followed Test matches between England and Australia with keen attention. (1)
SCIENCE AND MATHS His compositions, however, demonstrate an intricate understanding of musical structure and harmony, which could be seen as his own form of mathematical precision.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Frederick Delius was an avowed atheist, yet he held a profound appreciation for the beauty and mystery of the natural world. This duality of rejecting organized religion while embracing transcendent experiences is reflected in his compositions, which often convey a sense of spiritual awe. Despite his atheism, he requested to be buried in an English country churchyard.
POLITICS Delius rarely engaged in overt political discussions, focusing instead on artistic pursuits. However, his move to France and rejection of his family's commercial expectations reflected his desire for personal freedom and a disdain for conventional societal norms.
SCANDAL Delius's unconventional life, including his decision to abandon a commercial career to pursue music and his cohabitation with Jelka Rosen before marriage, occasionally raised eyebrows during his time. However, no major scandals are associated with his name.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Delius contracted syphilis sometime between 1895 and 1900, likely during his time in Paris. This sexually transmitted disease had a profound and devastating impact on his later health.
The effects of syphilis began to manifest around 1910. His health deteriorated progressively over the following years. By 1920, he began to lose the use of his limbs. His eyesight also steadily worsened. By the mid-1920s, he was unable to compose music independently and required assistance. By 1928, he was completely blind and paralyzed, although his mental faculties remained intact.
Despite his physical decline, Delius continued to compose with the invaluable help of his amanuensis, Eric Fenby. His daily routine in later years included being dressed in an Inverness cape and a French beret. Weather permitting, he was carried to a pushcart for daily outings. Remarkably, Delius retained his mental sharpness throughout his illness and continued to dictate compositions until his death.
In 1924, Delius became paralyzed and blind, a condition believed to have been caused by syphilis contracted in his earlier years. Despite these challenges, he continued to compose music with the assistance of Eric Fenby, a young English admirer who worked tirelessly to help Delius realize his creative visions.
HOMES Delius spent much of his life in Grez-sur-Loing, France, living in a picturesque house surrounded by nature. This home, shared with his wife Jelka Rosen, served as a sanctuary where he composed many of his greatest works.
TRAVEL Delius was a well-traveled individual. His time in Florida as an orange planter and his studies in Leipzig were pivotal in shaping his musical career. He later traveled extensively throughout Europe, often seeking inspiration in the natural landscapes and cultural richness of the regions he visited.
DEATH Frederick Delius died on June 10, 1934, in Grez-sur-Loing at the age of 72. He had expressed a wish to be buried in his garden, but French authorities prohibited it. Instead, he was buried in St. Peter's Church, Limpsfield, Surrey, fulfilling his alternative desire to rest in an English country churchyard.
The funeral service at Limpsfield included performances by the London Philharmonic Orchestra of some of Delius' short pieces. Composer Ralph Vaughan Williams also attended to pay his respects.
Notably, just four days after Delius' reburial, his wife Jelka passed away and was buried beside him.
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Delius’s life and music have been celebrated in various forms of media. The 1968 film Song of Summer, directed by Ken Russell, dramatized his final years and his collaboration with Eric Fenby.
Delius compositions continue to be featured in concert programs, recordings, and documentaries about early 20th-century music.
ACHIEVEMENTS Delius is regarded as one of the most original composers of his era. Despite physical challenges later in life, he created a rich body of work, including operas like A Village Romeo and Juliet, orchestral pieces like "Appalachia," and the iconic "On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring." His innovative harmonic language and evocative style have left a lasting impact on the world of classical music.
Source (1) The Crimson Rambler
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