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Christopher (Kaye) Le Fleming (26 February 1908 – 19 June 1985) was an English composer, pianist, and teacher.[1][2] He wrote orchestral works, music for plays, choral music, piano pieces, and songs.[1][3]

Life[edit]

Christopher Le Fleming was born in Wimborne, Dorset on 26 February 1908.[1] Born with a visual impairment which prevented him from attending the Royal College of Music, Le Fleming studied instead at the Brighton School of Music and the Royal School of Church Music.[2]

In 1935, Le Fleming published two books of Peter Rabbit Piano Music, having written a number of pieces for a pupil of his.[2] One of these books contained a series of piano duets, suitable for children aged 10-12.[2] He later revised and re-scored these for wind ensemble, re-publishing them as Homage To Beatrix Potter.[2]

Beatrix Potter:

In case Mr [Christopher] Le Fleming achieves fame — he is worth describing — about 25-6, over 6 foot, short sighted, slight squint, ill made; not unpleasant looking, but ‘gawky’ and decidedly odd. With a pleasant sensible sandy haired wife a little older than himself.[4]

Le Fleming carried out "pioneering work" with the Composers’ Guild of Great Britain, and in the realm of music education[5] He was closely connected with the Rural Music Schools Association where, according to The Times "his characteristic blend of musical insight and concern for helping others gained him universal respect and affection".[5]

Le Fleming received encouragement from Ralph Vaughan Williams,[6] producing works such as Five Psalms (1947) and Valley of Arun (1962), drawing inspiration from early 20th century English poets.[5]

Le Fleming's first wife, Phyllis Mary Tanner, with whom he had three sons, died in 1978.[5] He later married Mary Carr.[5] His autobiography, Journey into Music, was published in 1982.[5][7] Christopher Le Fleming died suddenly in Woodbury, Devon on 19 June 1985.[5]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c "Le Fleming, Christopher (Kaye) | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2024-03-23.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Christopher Le Fleming: Homage To Beatrix Potter: Wind Ensemble". www.musicroom.com. Retrieved 2024-03-23.
  3. ^ "Christopher Le Fleming". British Music Collection. 2009-04-04. Retrieved 2024-03-23.
  4. ^ Potter, Beatrix (1994). The Choyce letters : Beatrix Potter to Louie Choyce, 1916-1943. Internet Archive. London : Beatrix Potter Society. ISBN 978-1-869980-09-2.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g "Christopher Le Fleming". The Times. 25 June 1985. p. 14.
  6. ^ Vaughan Williams, Ursula (1964). R.V.W.: a Biography of Ralph Vaughan Williams. Internet Archive.
  7. ^ Sansom, John (2006). A memoir of Redcliffe Press. Internet Archive. Bristol : Redcliffe Press. ISBN 978-1-904537-55-7.