Malcolm Arnold

As a writer of nine symphonies, five ballets, two operas, a musical and countless film scores Sir Malcolm Arnold's illustrious career and numerous honours didn't reflect his turbulent private life. After winning a scholarship to the Royal College Of Music Arnold went on to join the London Philharmonic Orchestra as second trumpet. After the outbreak of the Second World War he registered as a conscientious objector, but after his brother was killed in the RAF he decided to volunteer. After the army enlisted him as a bandsman, Arnold decided to curtail his military career and to avoid completing his military service deliberately shot himself in the foot, earning a medical discharge. He returned to the London Philharmonic until 1948 when he left to become a composer. His private life was marred by his erratic behaviour and Arnold developed a reputation for being unpleasant amongst those who worked with him. He was a heavy drinker and a philanderer resulting in a divorce in 1961. Continuing difficulties in his private life subsequently led to him being admitted as a psychiatric patient in 1978 and a year later he was treated for alcoholism and depression at St. Andrew's Hospital in Northampton. Against the predictions of medical staff Arnold made a good recovery and lived for a further 22 years. With his death in 2006 he left a significant musical legacy including scores for numerous films including David Copperfield and the blockbuster The Bridge On The River Kwai.

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