Graham Peel

Gerald Graham Peel was born on 9 August 1878 in Pendlebury (City of Salford, England). His father gained wealth as a cotton spinner which allowed Graham Peel to dedicate much of his life to his likings. He studied music first at Harrow College and later at Balliol College under Ernest Walker.

After his studies Graham Peel moved to London and worked mainly as a public servant, but spent much time in composing music with a strong emphasis on songs. In 1909 Graham Peel moved to Bournemouth where he lived until his death. Over the years he became a reputable member of the Bournemouth society and supported many local associations and institutions as a trustee or chairman. For example he supported the Dorset Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society, an association to bring concerts into prisons to entertain the inmates. He was a longtime member of that society, acting as a honorary secretary for 11 years. Speaking of music Graham Peel supported especially the Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra and Municipal Choir, for whom he acted as a chairman. And he was the head of the local branch of the British Music Society. 

Graham Peel died on 16 October 1937 in Bournemouth (England). The funeral was first planned to take place at a small church in Holdenhurst but the Municipal Orchestra insisted to perform at the funeral and therefore it had to be relocated to the St. Peter's Church in Bournemouth.

As a composer Graham Peel wrote about 100 songs and a few piano pieces. His best known songs are "In Summertime on Bredon", "Loveliest of Trees", "Almond, Wild Almond" and "The Lute Player".

In my possession are the autograph manuscripts of two songs for voice and piano by Graham Peel.

The first song is "Bright is the Ring of Words", setting a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson (from his "Songs of Travel") into music. It was composed in February 1906.

The other song is "Requiem", also on words by R. L. Stevenson (from his "Underwoods"). The work was composed in March 1905.

Both manuscripts are bound together, dedicated to "The MacDougal on his birthday from his friend Graham Peel" and dated 3 May 1907.