Frederick Delius (1862-1934), Composer

Sitter in 13 portraits
Bradford-born composer of choral and orchestral works. Delius' success was established in Germany after studying at the Leipzig Conservatory (1886-8) before his merits were recognised in Britain, largely due to Sir Thomas Beecham. Works such as the opera A Village Romeo and Juliet (1907) and A Mass of Life (1909) have increased in stature over the years and ironically pieces such as Brigg Fair are now seen as quintessentially English. In later life, Delius started losing his sight and the use of his limbs, and could no longer compose however in 1928, a young musician, Eric Fenby, came to live in with the Deliuses, which enabled Delius to complete by dictation a number of other works.