Kenneth J. Alford
(Real Name: Frederick Joseph Ricketts)
1881-1945
After playing the cornet, piano, and organ in the Royal Irish Regiment and serving in India, Frederick Joseph Ricketts became a student bandmaster at the Royal Military School of Music.
He became the bandmaster for the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in 1908. He also served as director of music for the Royal Marines.
Ricketts composed under the pen name Kenneth J. Alford (Alford was his mother's maiden name), and is remembered as one of the finest composers of military marches.
Some considered him a master in instrumentation and that he possessed a clear melodic sense. His marches often contained extensive counter-melodies, and Ricketts' abilities are considered to be the rival of that of Sousa.
In fact, he was often referenced as the "The British March King".
"Colonel Bogey" is probably his best-known work. Aside from its own memorable sound, it was used as the soundtrack for the movie "Bridge Over the River Kwai".
("CLICK" on the links below to be taken to YouTube videos of his marches)
=========================================================================================
(Real Name: Frederick Joseph Ricketts)
1881-1945
After playing the cornet, piano, and organ in the Royal Irish Regiment and serving in India, Frederick Joseph Ricketts became a student bandmaster at the Royal Military School of Music.
He became the bandmaster for the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in 1908. He also served as director of music for the Royal Marines.
Ricketts composed under the pen name Kenneth J. Alford (Alford was his mother's maiden name), and is remembered as one of the finest composers of military marches.
Some considered him a master in instrumentation and that he possessed a clear melodic sense. His marches often contained extensive counter-melodies, and Ricketts' abilities are considered to be the rival of that of Sousa.
In fact, he was often referenced as the "The British March King".
"Colonel Bogey" is probably his best-known work. Aside from its own memorable sound, it was used as the soundtrack for the movie "Bridge Over the River Kwai".
("CLICK" on the links below to be taken to YouTube videos of his marches)
=========================================================================================
=====================================================================================================