Macfarren, Walter (Cecil), English pianist and composer, brother of Sir George (Alexander) Macfarren; b. London, Aug. 28,1826; d. there, Sept. 2,1905. He was a chorister at Westminster Abbey (1836–41), then studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London (1842–46), with Holmes (piano) and his brother (composition). From 1846 to 1903 he was a prof. of piano there, and he also conducted its concerts (1873–80). He composed a number of overtures on Shakespearean subjects, a Piano Concerto, and many piano pieces. He also ed. Beethoven’s sonatas, and several albums of piano pieces under the title Popular Classics.He pubi. Memories: An Autobiography (London, 1905).