Sir George Dyson

It is sad but true that many artists are only fully appreciated after they have died, and sometimes it can take decades or centuries for the recognition that is due to be accorded them.
One of the by-products of the tragically early death of Richard Hickox in November last year is the re-assessment of his work in promoting British 20th-century composers and his recorded catalogue of their music.
For me one of the highlights of this re-assessment has been the discovery of the choral and orchestral works of one of Hickox's great favourites - Sir George Dyson (1883-1964), pupil of Stanford at the RCM, head of music at Winchester College, and later Director of the RCM as well.
This humble man from a working class home in Halifax flourished and gained popular recognition during the 20s and 30s writing music that is marked by its commitment to melody in an age when others had long since abandoned such plebeian concerns in search of a more modern voice. He came to prominence through his writing for the English choral tradition (the oratorio Nebuchadnezzar, commissioned for the Three Choirs Festival in 1935; the cantata The Canterbury Pilgrims from 1930 being the two most widely praised) but went on to write a fine Symphony (1937), and a Violin Concerto (1942) amongst other orchestral and chamber works (Three Rhapsodies for string quartet, written in his 20s).
Yes, it is true that this may not be the most original music ever written, at times clearly bearing the marks of Wagner and Richard Strauss, but it is no less beautiful for all that - with soaring lines and a richness of harmony that is quite spectacular.
If you get the chance, explore the music of Sir George Dyson and you won't be disappointed. Perhaps start with the Three Rhapsodies and then I would recommend The Canterbury Pilgrims and the Symphony or the Violin Concerto.