Felix Burns

Felix Burns (1863-1920) was a prolific composer of light classical solos, dance music and marching tunes for the military band. He was born in Perth, Scotland, but lived most of his adult life just over the border, in Carlisle.

Mr Burns was a popular performer, bandmaster, teacher and church organist, as well as having thirteen children with his wife, Kate. Sadly, four died in childhood. Mr Burns taught his own children; sons Felix junior, Fred and Leo led bands of their own, while Winifred worked as a cinema pianist. Eldest daughter Catherine often played her father's compositions at home.

Felix always had the up-and-coming musician in mind; there is a great selection of his easy-to-intermediate pieces on this site.

His 16 dance albums each present a complete dance programme, suitable for the intermediate player. Though written for the piano (with cornet and violin parts were also available), many of the pieces lend themselves to the very different style and temperament of the accordion. Some, like the Queen Mary Waltz, found a new lease of life in the hands of Jimmy Shand in the 1950s; others are waiting to be rediscovered and interpreted for a new audience.

Noms-de-plume

Mr Burns sometimes published music under different names; pieces by Leona Lacoste and Claud Rosalind are available on this site. 

He also used the name of Leon Fabrina; three pieces were in the possession of Leo Burns, Felix's youngest son.  I have not yet been able to add any to my collection.  

Felix's cousin, P Charles Carragher, in his book Fairport from the Footlights, refers to Alfred Roslin as Felix's professional name as a young pianist.   I have not yet uncovered the names of any compositions published under this name.

To find out more about Felix Burns, the man, his life and his music, why not take a look at the biography by Kim Tame?