Amy Woodforde-Finden facts for kids
Amy Woodforde-Finden (born Amelia Rowe Ward; 1860 – 13 March 1919) was a talented composer. She is most famous for writing the music for "Kashmiri Song." This song was part of a collection called Four Indian Love Lyrics by Laurence Hope.
Amy's Early Life
Amy Woodforde-Finden was born in 1860 in Valparaíso, Chile. Her parents, Alfred and Virginia Ward, were from America. Her father worked as a US Consul, which is like a diplomat for his country.
In 1867, Amy's father passed away. Her mother then moved the family to London, England. In 1873, her mother became a British citizen. Around this time, Amy showed a great talent for music. She began studying composition with teachers like Carl Schloesser and Amy Horrocks. Her first musical pieces, published under the name Amy Ward, showed promise. However, they were not very popular at first.
Life in India and Famous Songs
When Amy was 34, she married Brigade-Surgeon Woodforde-Finden. He was a doctor who served in the Indian Medical Service. This meant he worked for the British army in India. They lived in India for several years. During this time, Amy wrote and published her most well-known songs.
Her most famous works were The Lover in Damascus and Kashmiri Song. "Kashmiri Song" was first published by Amy herself in 1902. It became very popular. Because of its success, a big music publisher, Boosey & Co., decided to publish it too.
Amy's songs were known for being very emotional and romantic. They mixed a British style with sounds and ideas from Asia. After the success of "Kashmiri Song," she wrote other pieces. These included On Jhelum River, The Pagoda of Flowers, and Stars of the Desert.
Later Years and Legacy
The year 1916 was a mix of good and sad times for Amy. Her husband passed away in April. However, her music was also featured in a movie called Less Than the Dust. This was the first time her work appeared in a film. Later, in 1943, "Kashmiri Song" was used in the movie Hers To Hold.
After her husband's death, Amy moved back to London. She passed away just three years later, on March 13, 1919. People say she was composing at the piano when she died. Amy is buried in Hampsthwaite churchyard in North Yorkshire. Her grave has a beautiful white marble statue.
Amy Woodforde-Finden's music helped connect different cultures. She took sounds and ideas from Asian music and shared them with audiences in America and Europe. Her songs transported listeners to a world of romance and exotic places.
Recordings
"Kashmiri Song" was recorded many times by famous singers. Another song, "Till I wake," was also often recorded. For example, the tenor Richard Tauber recorded "Kashmiri Song."
The English tenor Frank Titterton recorded the complete Four Indian Love Lyrics twice. The Australian bass-baritone Peter Dawson also recorded them three times. He made recordings in 1923, 1925, and 1932.
See also
In Spanish: Amy Woodforde-Finden para niños
