Alan Civil

Alan Civil (June 13, 1929 ? March 19, 1989) was an English horn player.

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Civil began to play the horn at a young age, and joined an army band while still in his teens. He studied the instrument under Aubrey Brain, father of Dennis Brain.

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Civil was engaged by Thomas Beecham to play second horn to Dennis Brain in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and when Brain left for the Philharmonia, Civil took over leadership of the section. In 1955, Civil joined the Philharmonia himself, becoming principal horn player when Brain died in a car crash in 1957.

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In the 1960s, Civil became the first non-German to be approached by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra to become a member. Civil stuck with the Philharmonia however, who were reshaping themselves into the New Philharmonia. In 1966 he became principal hornist of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, remaining there until his retirement in 1988.

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As a soloist, Civil recorded the horn concertos of Mozart, and his recording of Benjamin Britten's Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings with Robert Tear is also quite well known. He also played chamber music in the Alan Civil Horn Trio.

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As well as his work in classical music, Civil played the horn solo on the Beatles song "For No One" from their Revolver album.

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Civil taught at the Royal College of Music. He was awarded an OBE in 1985.

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June 13: June 13 is the 164th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (165th in leap years), with 201 days remaining....

1929: 1929 was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will take you to calendar)....

March 19: March 19 is the 78th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (79th in leap years). There are 287 days remaining....

Alan Civil related Images and Photos (experimental)

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