A renowned composer and educator, he's best known for his work with Frederick Delius, transcribing and completing the composer's unfinished scores. His efforts helped preserve Delius' legacy.
Eric Fenby is best known for his remarkable dedication as the amanuensis of the renowned English composer, Frederick Delius, from 1928 to 1934. During this period, Fenby helped Delius realize several works that would have otherwise remained incomplete, earning him a special place in the world of classical music.
Born on April 22, 1906, in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, Fenby demonstrated a natural inclination towards music from an early age. He received lessons in piano, organ, and cello, and by the age of 12, he had become the organist at Holy Trinity Church. Although largely self-taught as a composer, Fenby showed great promise, conducting a work for string orchestra at the Spa Grand Hall in Scarborough by 1925.
In 1928, Fenby learned that Delius had become virtually helpless due to blindness and paralysis caused by syphilis. Moved by the composer's plight, Fenby offered to serve as his amanuensis, and thus began a remarkable six-year collaboration. During this period, Fenby worked tirelessly at Delius's home in Grez-sur-Loing, near Paris, often for extended periods.
Their collaboration was not without its challenges. Delius's difficult temperament and atheism often clashed with Fenby's devout Catholicism, leading to tense moments. Moreover, the unique mode of musical communication that Fenby had to devise to assist Delius added to the complexity of their partnership. Despite these hurdles, Fenby remained committed to his role, even taking on nursing duties during Delius's final days.
Fenby's dedication paid off, as he helped Delius complete several remarkable works, including:
In 1936, Fenby published his account of their collaboration, Delius As I Knew Him, providing a poignant and intimate glimpse into their working relationship. This remarkable episode in Fenby's life was later immortalized in Ken Russell's 1968 BBC production, Song of Summer.
Eric Fenby's selfless dedication to Delius's art has secured his place in the annals of music history. His remarkable story serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, devotion, and the enduring legacy of classical music.
Fenby was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of his services to music.
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