Brent Smith, Alexander

Composer

b Brookthorpe, nr Gloucester 1889, d Gloucester 1950. An articled asst to Sir Ivor Atkins at Worcester Cathedral for 2 years, followed by an appointment as Director of Music at Lancing College from 1913 to 1934, succeeding W H Ferguson and a thereby a distant predecessor of R Sheldon (qv). He then returned to Gloucester and engaged in writing, speaking and composing, becoming President of the city’s Music Club. He died suddenly at home at the age of 60. His writing included a volume of essays, work on Schubert, features for The Musical Times and the composition of concertos, songs and light operas. No.555.