Le Gallienne, Dorian (1915-1963), is regarded by many critics as the most distinguished composer Australia has ever produced. He was a slow worker who suffered from poor health throughout his life. He thus completed only a few works. The best known are his Symphony (1952-1953) and Sinfonietta (1951-1956). From 1961 until his death, Le Gallienne worked on a second symphony, but died after completing only the first movement. It is known as the Symphonic Study. He also composed songs and chamber music.
Dorian Leon Marlois Le Gallienne was born on April 19, 1915, in Melbourne. He studied at the University of Melbourne and the Royal College of Music in London in 1938 and 1939. In 1951, he won a scholarship and spent two years in England studying with the English composer Gordon Jacob. Le Gallienne was a newspaper music critic during the 1950’s. He died on July 29, 1963.
