Macfarren, Walter Cecil

1826-1905

English musical composer and editor; was the brother of Sir George Alexander Macfarren. He was born at London; was a chorister at Westminster from 1836 to 1841, then studied piano at the Royal Academy of Music from 1842 to 1846 as the pupil of Holmes; Potter and his brother. He taught piano there from 1846 to 1903 and also conducted the Academy concerts. He was also director and treasurer of the Philharmonic Society. He died at London. He wrote the overtures to Henry V., Hero and Leander, Beppo, a Winter's Tale, Othello, and The Taming of the Shrew; two church services; piano concertos and sonatas; and various kinds of songs. He also edited Beethoven's sonatas; Mozart's piano works; and Popular Classics.