LARA, ISIDORE DE:
English composer; born in London Aug. 9, 1858. He was educated at Boulogne, and made his first appearance as a pianist at the age of thirteen, continuing to play in many recitals. In his fifteenth year he went to Milan, and studied composition and singing at the conservatory of music. He remained in Italy for three years, taking the grand prize for composition. On his return to England he began to compose, and became a professor at the Guildhall School of Music. In 1882 he wrote "Only a Song." He then produced a comic opera, "The Royal Word"; a choral work, "Song of Orval"; and a cycle of melodies, "To the Palms," with words by Lord Lytton.
De Lara has written about 150 songs, of which the most popular are: "Mine To-day," "All of My All," "After Silent Years," and "The Garden of Sleep." He has written also the operas: "The Light of Asia," "Kenilworth," "Moma," and "Messalina," the last-named being first produced at Monte Carlo, and afterward at London and New York.
- Harris, Jewish Year-Book, 1901.
