Eric Coates

One of the most celebrated of English light music composers, Eric Coates, was born at Hucknall in Nottinghamshire on 27 August 1886. His career was first as a violist with quartets and orchestras. He turned to composition in 1918 and became very successful. The Dambusters March from the second war years spread in popularity worldwide. Coates died in Chichester on 23 December 1957.

A selection of articles about Eric Coates

Spotlight. Pleasant and Tuneful - Gerald Fenech finds Volume 4 of John Wilson's Eric Coates orchestral series charming, and looks forward to the next instalment. 'Splendidly performed and recorded ...'

Ensemble. Superb and Imaginative Playing - Roderic Dunnett marks Thomas Trotter's forty years as Birmingham City Organist by reviewing a special anniversary recital and investigating the artist's large output on the Regent Records label

CD Spotlight. Subtle Colours - Gerald Fenech is impressed by another volume in John Wilson's cycle of music by Eric Coates. '... the performances are consistently joyous and exciting ...'

CD Spotlight. Magical Stuff - Gerald Fenech listens to Eric Coates' 'Springtime Suite' and other orchestral works. 'Andrew Penny and his Slovaks deliver some absolutely gorgeous performances full of warmth, charm and grace ...'

CD Spotlight. Vivacious Performances - Music from Scotland, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... a spectacular album full of inspirational melodies that go straight to the heart.'

CD Spotlight. Immensely Soothing - Gerald Fenech listens to music by Eric Coates. 'Adrian Leaper is an avid devotee of this genre, and he delivers performances that sparkle with a rhythmic immediacy that magnifies the flow of each piece.'

Ensemble. Growing Together - Vorisek in the North Downs, heard by Keith Bramich

CD Spotlight. Sheer Pleasure - Eric Coates' commercial recordings delight Patric Standford. '... this collection has its own particular value ...'

Ensemble. Tonal Refinement - Christmas music from Derby Concert Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Diversely Exhilarating - Cheryl Barker pays tribute to Joan Hammond, heard by Howard Smith. '... four recital items have the ideal accompanist in Timothy Young ...'

Ensemble. A Geordie Knees-Up - John Wilson conducts the Hallé Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Record box. Ignited memories - British light music, reviewed by Patric Standford