Baron Frédéric Alfred [Frédéric] d'Erlanger (29/05/1868 - 23/04/1943), an Anglo-French composer, banker and patron of the arts (of German-American parentage and born in Paris, France). He began his musical studies in Paris under Anselm Ehmant, his only teacher. His first work, a book of songs, was published when d'Erlanger was 20 years of age. Shortly afterwards, in 1886, he moved to London with his elder brother, Emile d'Erlanger, to work as a banker, for the private banking firm that his father owned. Both d'Erlanger and his brother became naturalised Englishmen. His compositions include works of all kinds. Among d'Erlanger's works are a opera's, string Quartet, a Sonata for violin and pianoforte, an 'Andante symphonique' for cello and orchestra, a Quintet for pianoforte and strings, a 'Suite symphonique' for orchestra, a violin Concerto, Op. 17 played by Kreisler at the Philharmonic Concert of 12 March 1903, and a 'Concerto symphonique' for piano and orchestra (1921). One of his later works was a Requiem for solo voices, chorus and orchestra in 1931. Clearness of form and elegance of idea and expression are the distinguishing marks of d'Erlanger's music, whether in his operatic work, in his chamber and orchestral music, or in his songs. A millionaire, d'Erlanger was described as a "genuine Renaissance man"; he was a noted patron of the arts in London and invested in developing countries, financing department store chains in South America and railways in South Africa. D'Erlanger was a founding member of the Oxford & Cambridge Musical Club. "Baron Fred", as he was known, was a frequent participant in the regular Thursday musical soirées of the Club.

"Frederic,who was very close to his older brother, Emile, was a talented composer and performer, but of a retiring nature and never married, though he had a long liaison with an equally retiring Spanish lady, Mme de Betelu. He wrote music for ballet and also operas of which one - "Le Petit Jean de Saintre" was apparently very successful. Another opera "Tess" (of the d’Urbervilles) was written with the support of Thomas Hardy. I was very fond of Great Uncle Freddy, who during his final illness, arranged for me to come home from the U.S. in 1943."