John Nicholson Ireland (1879-1962), Composer

Sitter in 3 portraits
Ireland entered the Royal College of Music aged fourteen, studying piano, organ and composition. Ireland studied with Sir Walter Parratt and Sir Charles Stanford before becoming organist and choirmaster at St Luke's, Chelsea (1904-26). As a composer, he is most highly renowned for his songs and music for piano. Influenced by Debussy and Ravel, he is credited with developing an English Impressionist style. Notable works include the song Sea Fever (1913) and his piano concerto (1930). A diverse oeuvre includes songs, music for violin, piano and cello, a piano concerto, the orchestral A London Overture (1936) and the film score for The Overlanders (1946-7).