Holmes, William Henry

1812-1885

English pianist; born at Sudbury, Derbyshire, and died in London. The son of a musician; he was one of the first to enter the Royal Academy of Music. He obtained two of the first medals granted for composition and piano. In 1826 he became assistant professor of the piano, later becoming professor and principal on the teaching staff of the Academy. He gained a high reputation as piano virtuoso, making his debut at the Philharmonic Society, 1851, in Mendelssohn's Introduction and Rondo. In 1876 he performed at the Alexandra Palace a concerto of his own, written for the jubilee of the Academy. He was broad enough to welcome new composers and new music. Among his pupils were the distinguished Sterndale Bennett, the two Macfarrens, J. W. Davison and others. His compositions include an opera, The Elfin of the Lake; symphonies;  concertos; sonatas; and songs. He composed much which was never published