Charles Clements

Charles Clements was an internationally acclaimed musician who began his career as a pianist at the Coliseum.

Born:

1898

Place of Birth:

Aberystwyth

Biography:

Charles Clements was born in Aberystwyth in 1898. As a teenager he accompanied silent films at the Coliseum cinema on the piano. He went on to become an internationally recognised musician.

This short article and the pictures to accompany it were sent in by Janet Sutton whose parents used to housekeep for Charles Clements in Aberystwyth.

"Charles Clements was born in Aberystwyth in 1898. He became a famous musician not only locally, but throughout Wales and also internationally.

He held a post as Senior Lecturer of music at the Department of Music in the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. He was a fine pianist as well as an organist. He was organist at the former Seilo chapel in Queen's Road for over 50 years.

As a teenager he would perform music on the piano for silent films in the Coliseum. He would extemporise all the music for exciting or sad parts in the films.

The meagre earnings he had would be saved to buy books for further studies. The old piano he used to play can still be seen at the Ceredigion Museum in Aberystwyth. Gracie Fields, who was a well known singer in the 30's, also performed at the Coliseum."

Article written by Janet Sutton

Read more about the Coliseum

your comments

Norman Thomas from Borth
I remember delivering groceries for my father,Cliff Thomas,to Charles Clements' house.He invariably invited me in to his study and gave me an impromptu aural test and then invited me to play scales at his choosing and sometimes to play his grand piano.He was always kind and considerate.
Fri Oct 2 13:55:00 2009

Dave Jones (ex Aberystwyth)
In the 50s, as a child, I well remember the music of Charles Clements, particularly the organ music which was so stirring. I also remember my mother telling me that he was a cousin of sorts. Of course I thought no more of it. Having started research on my family history, I did discover that a Catherine Clements, father Edward Clements, married William Jenkins in 1842. These are my 2nd great grandparents. Is this a coincidence or was there some grain of truth in what my mother had told me? I would love to hear from anybody who may be related.
Tue Jun 20 18:11:18 2006

Do you remember Charles Clements? Perhaps you used to listen to him accompany the silent movies at the Coliseum? If so why not get in touch and share your memories.

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