Mary Plumstead

Mary Frost Plumstead (1905 - 4 May 1980) was an English composer and pianist who is best remembered for her songs. She advocated “self composition,” believing that all musicians should compose their own music.

Plumstead was born in Upper Warlingham, Surrey, England. She studied piano at Croydon High School, then earned a Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music (LRAM) in ear training and sight singing. In 1951, several of her large scale compositions (probably for choir) were performed at the Festival of Britain.

Plumstead married an estate agent, and they lived in Devon. Her music was recorded commercially by BMS Records, His Master’s Voice (HMV) Records, and Hyper Records. Her compositions were published by Boosey & Hawkes, Chappell and Co. Ltd., Curwen/ Elkin, G. Schirmer Inc., J & W Chester Ltd., Roberton Publications (part of Good Music Publishing) and Schott & Co. Ltd.. Her works, all for voice, include:

Brother Francis (choir and piano)

“Evening Prayer”

“Grateful Heart” (text by George Herbert)

“Take, O Take Those Lips Away” (text by William Shakespeare)

They Were All Looking for a King (four part male choir; text by George MacDonald)

Two by Two (choir; text by Mortimer Durand)