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Eric Coates

Born: 27th August 1886, Hucknall, England

Died: 21st December 1957, Chichester, England

Nationality: English

Eric Francis Harrison Coates was an English composer of light music and, early in his career, a leading violist.

Coates was born into a musical family but, despite his wishes and obvious talent, his parents only reluctantly allowed him to pursue a musical career. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music under Frederick Corder (composition) and Lionel Tertis (viola), and played in string quartets and theatre pit bands, before joining symphony orchestras conducted by Thomas Beecham and Henry Wood. Coates's experience as a player added to the rigorous training he had received at the academy and contributed to his skill as a composer.

While still working as a violist, Coates composed songs and other light musical works.

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