Benjamin, Arthur (1893–1960)

Australian pianist and composer. The influence of Latin American dance rhythms was important throughout his life. He was educated at Brisbane and studied at the Royal College of Music in London, England, where he later became professor. After fighting in World War I he returned to Australia to teach piano at the Sydney Conservatory 1919–20, but having developed as a composer, settled in London. He taught composition at the Royal College of Music from 1925, where Benjamin Britten was one of his pupils. From 1930 to 1936 he lived in Vancouver, Canada.

Works Opera The Devil Take Her (1931), Prima Donna (1933), A Tale of Two Cities (after Dickens; 1950), Tartuffe (produced 1964).

Orchestral symphonic suite Light Music and Overture to an Italian Comedy for orchestra; Romantic Fantasy for violin, viola and orchestra; violin concerto (1932), concertino for piano and orchestra.

Other chamber music; songs; film music including An Ideal Husband (after Oscar Wilde).