Benjamin, Arthur (1893-1960), was an Australian-born English composer. His works include concertos for the violin and the oboe, a symphony, and piano music. His best-known work is the atmospheric, highly rhythmical Jamaican Rumba (1938), a piece that reflects the composer’s interest in Latin American music. Benjamin originally wrote it for two pianos, but it has been orchestrated for other instruments as well as a small orchestra. In 1949 and 1950, Benjamin wrote the three-act opera A Tale of Two Cities, based on the novel by the English writer Charles Dickens. The opera won a Festival of Britain prize in 1951 but was not staged until 1957. Benjamin also wrote four comic operas—The Devil Take Her (1931), Prima Donna (1933, produced 1949), Manana (for television, 1956), and Tartuffe (unfinished at his death and first performed in 1964). Benjamin also composed ballet music and music for films. In addition, he was an accomplished pianist.
Benjamin was born Sept. 18, 1893, in Sydney, Australia. He moved to London and studied at the Royal College of Music from 1911 to 1919. In 1919, he returned to Australia and served for two years as professor of piano at the Sydney Conservatory. In 1921, he moved back to England and joined the staff of the Royal College of Music. He spent the last 39 years of his life composing and teaching in London, where he died on April 10, 1960.
