Walter Leigh

Walter Leigh, born in Wimbledon in 1905, was a prolific English composer whose life was tragically cut short by the Second World War. Despite his brief career, Leigh left behind a notable body of work that continues to captivate audiences today. He is perhaps best known for his Concertino for Harpsichord and String Orchestra, a concise and French-inspired concertante work that remains one of his most popular compositions. Leigh's musical journey began under the tutelage of Harold Darke and later continued at Cambridge University with Edward Dent, and in Berlin with Paul Hindemith. His repertoire includes the overture Agincourt, the choral work The Frogs of Aristophanes, and several other notable pieces such as Bells, Come Away Death, and Echo's Lament for Narcissus. Leigh's contributions to film music, particularly for documentary films, further highlight his versatility and musical prowess. His legacy endures through his compositions, which continue to be performed and celebrated by musicians and enthusiasts alike.