Peter Warlock

Biography

Peter Heseltine, known by his pseudonym Peter Warlock, was a British composer and music critic, known mainly for his large number of songs. The name Warlock was chosen by the composer to reflect his interest in the occult, and he published all of his music under this name. Heseltine received little formal musical training, though was well-acquainted with the British composer Frederick Delius, with whom he had formed a close friendship. After failed student careers in Oxford and London, Heseltine turned to music journalism before developing interests in folksong and Elizabethan music. His first compositions date from around 1915.

Heseltine wrote over 150 songs, and has been praised for his melodic ability, often being likened to Schubert. He was inspired by the folk music of England and Ireland, and the influence of early music can often be heard in his compositions.