An English composer who was, during his life, a profound and exceptionl concert pianist. Bennett maintained a terribly creative period during the years of 1832-1838/9. By the time he was seventeen (1833) Bennett was proclaimed a prodigy and achieved the praise and support of Mendelssohn and Schumann. His compositions included the overture "The Naiads," piano concertos, symphonic works, chamber music, and a number of works for pianoforte. Because of the demands of his concert and teaching career (1839-40s), however, and perhaps even because of early fame (and Mendelssohn' death), Bennett failed to produce, slightly despondent over his lack of recognition. (He had been passed over for a number of positions.) Finally he was recognized by Oxford, Cambridge, the Royal Academy of Music and was even knighted in 1871. With his appointments came responsibilities and prestige. He finally became compositionaly productive once again writing "The May Queen," "The Maid of Orleans," "The Woman of Samari," and the Prelude to "Ajax." His piano music pushed the envelop of the instrument's potential and Bennett captured the spirit of the classical form. Orchestral works such as concert overtures and his "Symphony in G-mol" were among his best revealing an understanding of musical texture and imaginings. ~ Keith Johnson, Rovi