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Derek Bell (1935 - 2002)
Derek Bell was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1935. He studied composition, piano and oboe at the Royal College of Music, London, and was awarded the Manns Prize. Amongst the positions he held during his career were those of principal cor anglais with the City of Belfast Orchestra, principal harp and principal oboe (concurrently) with the BBC Northern Ireland Orchestra, and professor of harp at the Belfast Academy of Music. In 1976 Derek Bell joined The Chieftains playing harp, tiompán (a small cimbalom-styled hammered dulcimer, which he introduced and named after the mediaeval Irish instrument), oboe and keyboards. He participated in well over 35 CDs with this legendary Irish ensemble. His compositions include Pastoral Overture, Symphony (‘The Tragic’) in E flat, Symphony No. 2 in D (‘The Violet Flame-Comte de St. Germain’, performances of which have included the prestigious Edinburgh Festival, 1991), piano works and chamber music. The scores of some of his research into Irish music were published. These include Immortal Carolan Melodies for Irish Folk Instruments.¹ Derek Bell recorded Toccata Burlesca (one of his Three Transcendental Studies) on the album ‘Derek Bell Plays With Himself’.² This double tracking of various oboes with assorted accompaniments (he performed upon eight instruments) is one of his eight solo albums. Six, with harp, feature the compositions of Turlough O' Carolan (a.k.a. Terence Carolan or [Irish Gaelic] Toirdhealbhach Ó Cearbhalláin, 1670 - 1738). A further album features Derek Bell as pianist and many incorporate his beloved traditional Irish music. This remarkably versatile musician also played bass oboe with The Amoris Consort. Derek Fleetwood Bell was awarded the MBE (Member of the British Empire) in 2000 by Queen Elizabeth ll for his services to Irish music. He died just two years later in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.  1 Lyra Music Company, NY (1985) Jennifer Paull's article on Derek Bell at Music & Vision:
More information on Derek Bell and his works
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