Sir Arthur Bliss, Master of the Queen's Music in Great Britain
from 1953 until his death, eventually followed the late romantic
tradition of Elgar in English music, after a more controversial
period of composition in youth. In accordance with the perceived
duties of his official position, he wrote various ceremonial pieces,
in addition to music for the concert-hall, theatre and cinema.
Film Music
Familiar music by Bliss includes excerpts from his film-score for H.G. Wells's Things to Come, and the patriotic march Welcome the Queen, also written for a film.
Ballets
The ballets Checkmate, an allegorical game of chess, with choreography by Ninette de Valois and Miracle in the Gorbals, a morality play set in the slums of Glasgow with choreography by Robert Helpman, made a strong impression on ballet audiences.