| Biography | Eli Hudson was born Eli Hudson Rennison but used the surname Hudson for most of his career. He changed his name officially by deed poll in 1905. Eli - pronounced Ee-lie - was born in Manchester on the 23rd April 1877. He studied at the Royal College of Music in London, with A.P Vivian and W.L. Barrett. He later became principal flute with the London Symphony Orchestra. He was, for a time, Professor at the Royal Military School of Music (Kneller Hall) where he taught both the flute and the piano.
Eli Hudson formed a Trio with his sister and brother, Elgar and Olga, who were very popular as a stage act before the first World War in 1914. They recorded many salon pieces, but it was as a piccolo soloist that Eli Hudson is remembered by 'shrieking twig' enthusiasts the world over! He had the most lovely piccolo tone, a sweet singing sound which made one forget that the instrument was so small. And his technique and his tonguing were amazing too.
Eli Hudson made over 120 piccolo recordings with orchestras, military bands, and with the piano. His records are still regarded as a model for piccolo enthusiasts to aspire to.
Hudson toured the battle areas in 1914-15 with the Trio, and during this time, he suffered ill health, and his short life was brought to an end in London on 18th January, 1919.
|