One of the strange things about classical music is that, other than a handful of notables like Elgar and Holst, the British are not known for their composers. While there was something of a lean spell following individuals like Purcell and Arne, from the late 1800's, there was a great resurgence in the popularity of classical music, and the British provided some of the best 20th century classical music out there.
Here is a list of some famous British composers, and some of their greatest works. You will notice that there is some "movie music" listed. I am certainly not an elitist who dismisses music just because it was written for/used in films or television, and film scores are listed in italics.
Richard Addinsell (1904-1977)
Warsaw Concerto (from "Dangerous Moonlight")
Thomas Arne (1710-1778)
Rule, Britannia!
Sir Malcolm Arnold (1821-2006)
The Bridge on the River Kwai, A Grand, Grand Overture
Sir Arthur Bliss (1891-1975)
Things to Come
Sir Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
War Requiem, The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Peter Grimes (opera)
Frederick Delius (1862-1934)
Koanga (opera), On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring, Florida Suite
Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934)
Enigma Variations, Cello Concerto, Pomp and Circumstance
Sir Edward German (1862-1936)
Merrie England (opera), The Seasons
Gustav Holst (1874-1934)
The Planets, Egdon Heath
Sir Hubert Parry (1848-1918)
Jerusalem
Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
Dido and Aeneas (opera), Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary
Ralph Vaughan-Williams (1872-1958)
Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, The Lark Ascending
Sir William Walton (1902-1983)
Facade, Crown Imperial, Battle of Britain
Peter Warlock (1894-1930)
The Curlew, Capriol Suite
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