About William Henry Holmes
Lived 1812 – 1885 (aged 73). William Henry Holmes was a British pianist, composer and piano teacher.
William Henry Holmes (or W. H. Holmes; 8 January 1812 – 23 April 1885) was an English pianist and composer, and a teacher at the Royal Academy of Music.
Early life Holmes was born in Sudbury, Derbyshire in 1812, the son of a musician. He entered the Royal Academy of Music in 1822, the year it opened, and he gained two of the first medals given by the Academy, for composition and the piano.
Career Holmes became Sub-professor at the Royal Academy of Music in 1826, and later Professor of the Piano, remaining in the post for more than fifty years. His pupils included Charlotte Alington Barnard, William Sterndale Bennett, George Alexander Macfarren, Walter Cecil Macfarren and James William Davison.
Holmes performed as a virtuoso pianist for many years. He composed symphonies, concertos, sonatas, songs and an opera.
Death Holmes died in 1885, and was buried at Brompton Cemetery.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was William Henry Holmes?
pianist and composer (1812-1885)
When was William Henry Holmes born?
William Henry Holmes was born on 8 January 1812.
When did William Henry Holmes die?
William Henry Holmes died on 23 April 1885 in London.
What was William Henry Holmes's occupation?
William Henry Holmes was a pianist, composer and piano teacher.
What nationality was William Henry Holmes?
William Henry Holmes was British.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: William Henry Holmes
· DBpedia: William Henry Holmes (musician)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Henry Holmes. https://biography.guide/william-henry-holmes-pianist/
MLA: "William Henry Holmes." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-henry-holmes-pianist/.
Chicago: "William Henry Holmes." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-henry-holmes-pianist/.
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