Background
Julian Edwards was born at Manchester, England.
Julian Edwards was born at Manchester, England.
Julian Edwardsat received his early schooling in Manchester, England. He soon showed an aptitude for music, and was placed under Sir Herbert Oakley and Sir George Macfarren for studies in theory and composition, then became “Maestro al piano” with Carl Rosa, and conductor of the Royal English Opera Company.
In 1888 he came to America to become leader of the J. C. Duff Opera Company, settled at Yonkers, and was soon identified with the New York musical colony. One of the operas written by Edwards was The Patriot (1907), in which Washington, alone, takes refuge from a storm in the house of a Tory who, with a spy, has been plotting the commander’s death. Other serious operas by Edwards were Corinne, Elfinella, and Victorian, the last a setting of Longfellow’s “Spanish Student, ” produced by the Royal English Opera Company at Covent Garden in 1883. It was as a creator of light opera of a high standard, however, that he became best known. His Brian Boru (1896) became especially popular and caused its composer to be compared with Balfe. Its plot, which might well serve for serious opera, shows Brian defeating Briton invaders, but coming under the spell of their princess, Elfrida, who uses her power over him to get him taken prisoner by a band of her soldiers. After a rescue he defeats the invaders again, and this time proceeds to his coronation without being bewitched by any foreign siren. Other notable light operas were: Jupiter (1892), Friend Frits , Dolly Varden (1901), The Goddess of Truth (1896), The Princess Chic (1899), The Jolly Musketeer (1898), The Wedding Day (1897), The Girl and the Governor (1907), The Motor Girl (1909), The Maid of Plymouth, and The Belle of London Town. When Johnny Comes Marching Home had a long summer run at McVicker’s in 1902. It contained the effective song “My Own United States” which was published separately, with new verses, at the request of the National Song Society. Naturally vigorous and rhythmic, this song is especially noteworthy for its use of the official title of the country instead of the more common but less accurate “America. ” The composer’s more serious style was illustrated by several cantatas, including “Lazarus” (1907), which, led by him in a Sunday concert at the Metropolitan, won much appreciation for its classical learning and oratorio effects of strength; “The Redeemer” (1907), “Mary Magdalen, ” and “Lord of Life and Love” (1909). His secular works in this form included “The Mermaid” (1907) and “De Montfort’s Daughter” (1899), the latter for treble voices. His incidental music to Quo Vadis deserves mention, also several song collections, of which Sunlight and Shadow was the most successful.
leader of the J. C. Duff Opera Company
identified with the New York musical colony
He could write good concerted music and strong finales, which accounted for his success.
He married Philippine Siedle, sister of the technical manager of the Metropolitan Opera House.