Cyril Scott

Cyril Scott (1879–1970) was a prolific English composer, poet, and writer with a deep engagement in occultism and alternative medicine. Born in Cheshire, he displayed musical talent early and studied at the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt. Scott composed hundreds of musical pieces across various genres, including symphonies, concertos, and operas. His musical innovations, such as free rhythm, are noted to have potentially influenced contemporaries. Beyond music, Scott authored approximately twenty books and pamphlets exploring metaphysical subjects, natural health, and occult philosophy. He advocated for natural healing methods and dietary approaches, often advising against conventional medical treatments. His literary output also included poetry and autobiographical works, reflecting his multifaceted intellectual and spiritual pursuits.

Cyril Scott's musical output was vast, encompassing around four hundred compositions. He trained at the prestigious Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt, where he was part of the "Frankfurt Group" of composers. His early career saw collaborations with figures like the German poet Stefan George and violinist Fritz Kreisler. Scott's music was championed by pianist Evelyn Suart, with whom he developed a significant artistic partnership. Suart, a Christian Scientist, introduced Scott to metaphysical concepts, which began to influence his thinking and likely his creative output. His compositional style, particularly his experimentation with free rhythm, is thought to have had an impact on later composers, though his fame as 'the English Debussy' was considered a superficial comparison.

Scott dedicated a significant portion of his literary career to exploring occultism, metaphysics, and natural health. He authored numerous books and pamphlets on these subjects, advocating for a holistic approach to well-being. His writings often promoted alternative medicine, urging readers to rely on diet and natural remedies, sometimes even for serious conditions like cancer, and to avoid conventional medical interventions. He recommended specific dietary practices, such as consuming black molasses and cider vinegar. His works on occultism aimed to provide an alternative to scientific humanism, reflecting his deep engagement with esoteric philosophies and spiritual inquiry.

Beyond his musical compositions and works on alternative health, Scott produced a diverse range of literary works. His writings spanned philosophical explorations, such as "The Philosophy of Modernism" and "The Greater Awareness," to more personal reflections in his autobiographical volumes, "My Years of Indiscretion" and "Bone of Contention." He also published poetry and anonymously authored works like "The Initiate" series, which delved into spiritual experiences and insights. His book "Music: Its Secret Influence Throughout the Ages" further explored the mystical dimensions of sound and its impact on human consciousness and history.