A pupil of Cyril Scott and Gustav Holst, Rubbra established himself as one of the leading English symphonists of his time. A man of wide interests and sympathies, he taught at Oxford and in London and appeared as a pianist in chamber-music recitals. His compositions are in a variety of genres, without any attempt at writing for the theatre.

Orchestral and Choral Music
Rubbra’s principal achievement must lie in his 11 symphonies and in solo concertos for violin, viola and piano. He wrote a number of choral works, many of them reflecting his own Catholic beliefs.

Chamber Music
Rubbra’s chamber music includes sonatas for violin, for oboe and for cello and two piano trios. His four string quartets demonstrate his contrapuntal gifts as well as the influence of Holst.