THOMAS PITFIELD  

Born in the north of England, Thomas Pitfield studied only briefly at the Royal Manchester College of Music before financial necessity brought training in arts and crafts, followed by a career as a teacher of these subjects. Meanwhile he was able to develop his ability as a composer, leading in 1947 to a return to the Manchester College, where he taught until his retirement in 1973. His varied compositions include works for children and amateurs, music for distinguished contemporary performers, and music for unusual instruments.

Orchestral and Chamber Music

Pitfield’s orchestral compositions include a Sinfonietta written for the Hallé Orchestra. After the withdrawal of his First Piano Concerto he wrote two further such works, the second intended as a possible student audition piece. His music proves easily assimilable, leading to harsh criticism from those anxious for something more astringent.