Help
Skip to main content
Arthur Bliss

Arthur Bliss

Born: 2nd August 1891, Barnes, London, England

Died: 27th March 1975, London, England

Nationality: English

Sir Arthur Edward Drummond Bliss was an English composer and conductor.

Bliss's musical training was cut short by the First World War, in which he served with distinction in the army. In the post-war years he quickly became known as an unconventional and modernist composer, but within the decade he began to display a more traditional and romantic side in his music. In the 1920s and 1930s he composed extensively not only for the concert hall, but also for films and ballet.

In the Second World War, Bliss returned to England from the US to work for the BBC and became its director of music.

Further Reading: Bliss

Presto Music Classical Podcast, Episode 41: Standing out from the Crowd - Arthur Bliss with Paul Spicer

Author Paul Spicer recently joined us at our store in Leamington Spa to discuss his new biography of Arthur Bliss, in conversation with Andrew Burn, chairman of The Bliss Trust.

Recording of the Week, John Wilson conducts English music for strings

Sinfonia of London and conductor John Wilson present their latest stunning album of music for string orchestra by Britten, Bridge, Berkeley, and Bliss.

Popular Works: Bliss

All Works: Bliss

Recent Best Sellers: Bliss

New Releases: Bliss