Sir Thomas Beecham

British conductor. Born in St. Helens near Liverpool. Graduated from Oxford University, but self-taught in music. He entered the music world after serving as a substitute for the famous conductor Hans Richter by chance, and founded the Beecham Symphony Orchestra in 1909. He introduced many new orchestral works and operas, including those by R. Strauss, to Britain, breathing new life into the music world. In 1932, he founded the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and served as its conductor until 1939. During World War II, he continued conducting in Australia, Canada, and the United States, and after the war, he founded the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London in 1946, and served as its conductor until his death. Although he was self-taught and could not completely eliminate his weakness in composition, his calm expression and delicate singing style were considered to be Beecham's own unique realm, and he was widely loved. He worked hard to introduce the works of British composer Delius, and his performances were said to be exquisite. He was awarded the title of Sir in 1916, and received an honorary knighthood in 1957. Died in London.

[Hiroyuki Iwai]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

イギリスの指揮者。リバプール近郊のセント・ヘレンズ生まれ。オックスフォード大学出身だが、音楽は独学。たまたま名指揮者ハンス・リヒターの代役を務めたのをきっかけに楽界に身を投じ、1909年ビーチャム交響楽団を創立、R・シュトラウスをはじめ、多くの新しい管弦楽曲、オペラをイギリスに紹介、新風を吹き込んだ。32年ロンドン・フィルハーモニーを創立、39年までその指揮者。第二次世界大戦中はオーストラリア、カナダ、アメリカで指揮活動を続け、戦後はロンドンに46年ロイヤル・フィルハーモニーを創立、死去するまでその指揮者を務めた。独学だけに構成力の弱さはぬぐいきれなかったものの、穏やかな表情でデリケートに歌い上げてゆく風情は、ビーチャム独自の境地とされ、広く愛された。イギリスの作曲家ディーリアスの作品の紹介に尽力、その演奏は絶品といわれた。16年サーの称号を授与され、57年には名誉爵位を得た。ロンドンに没。

［岩井宏之］

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