(Born; Lydney, 17 Oct 1892; Died; Oxford, 23 Feb 1983). English composer. He studied with Stanford and Wood at the RCM, where he taught from 1920 almost to his death. He also succeeded Holst at St Paul's Girls' School (1932-62) and was professor of music at London University. His music is within an English diatonic tradition embracing Elgar, Walton and Vaughan Williams. The earlier works include two piano concertos and chamber pieces, but most of his music is choral, including Circa;15 anthems, a concert Requiem (Hymnus Paradisi, 1938, first performed 1950), masses, anthems and motets and some fine songs. Deeply tinged by the English choral tradition, Howells's music reflects a subtle and fastidious craftsman capable of a restrained, individual eloquence.(c)Groves Dictionaries, MacMillan Publishers Limited, UK