Ernest Newman

Date of Birth: November 30, 1868

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: July 7, 1959

Biography

Ernest Newman, born William Roberts, was an influential English music critic who left an indelible mark on the world of classical music through his insightful and often provocative writings. Born on November 30, 1868, in Liverpool, England, Newman’s contributions to music criticism spanned over six decades, making him one of the most respected and prolific critics of his time. Newman initially pursued a career in banking but quickly realized his passion for music and writing. He began his career as a music critic for various newspapers and journals, eventually becoming the chief music critic for the Sunday Times, a position he held from 1920 until his death in 1959. He authored several important books on music, including a monumental four-volume biography of Richard Wagner, which remains a landmark in Wagnerian scholarship. Newman’s writing was characterized by his deep analytical insight, extensive knowledge of music history, and a fearless approach to critiquing performances and compositions. His work earned him numerous accolades, and he was widely regarded as one of the leading authorities on opera and classical music in the 20th century. Newman’s legacy continues to influence music criticism today, and his writings are still widely read and respected.

5 Interesting Facts about Ernest Newman

1. Ernest Newman was originally born William Roberts and changed his name to avoid confusion with another writer.

2. He was a self-taught musician and had an encyclopedic knowledge of music history and theory.

3. Newman was known for his critical analyses of Wagner’s operas and wrote extensively on the subject.

4. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree by the University of Oxford in 1929 in recognition of his contributions to music criticism.

5. Newman was a prolific writer, contributing over 1,000 articles and reviews during his career.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ernest Newman

1. “The critic has to educate the public; the artist has to educate the critic.”

2. “The history of a composer’s works is the history of his soul.”

3. “Art is a reflection of the times and the artist’s inner life.”

4. “True criticism must always be constructive, never destructive.”

5. “Music is the language of emotion, and the critic must be its interpreter.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Ernest Newman’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but as a leading critic of his time, he would have been reasonably well-compensated for his work and contributions.