Wilfrid Parry was a renowned classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music as a pianist, composer, and teacher. He was born on 20th September 1904 in London, England, to a family of musicians. His father, Charles Hubert Parry, was a well-known composer, and his mother, Maude, was a singer. Wilfrid grew up in a musical environment and showed an early interest in music. Wilfrid Parry received his early education at Rugby School, where he excelled in music and won several prizes. He then went on to study at the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied piano under the tutelage of renowned pianist and composer, Tobias Matthay. Parry was an exceptional student and won several awards and scholarships during his time at the Royal College of Music. After completing his studies, Parry embarked on a successful career as a pianist, performing extensively in Europe and the United States. He was known for his exceptional technique and musicality, and his performances were highly acclaimed by audiences and critics alike. Parry was particularly renowned for his interpretations of the works of Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. One of the highlights of Parry's career was his performance of Bach's Goldberg Variations at the Wigmore Hall in London in 1933. The performance was a critical and commercial success and established Parry as one of the leading pianists of his generation. He went on to perform the Goldberg Variations several times throughout his career, and his recordings of the work are still considered to be some of the best. In addition to his career as a performer, Parry was also a prolific composer. He wrote several works for piano, including sonatas, preludes, and fugues, as well as chamber music and orchestral works. His compositions were highly regarded by his contemporaries, and he was often compared to the great composers of the past. Parry was also a dedicated teacher and taught at several institutions throughout his career, including the Royal College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He was known for his rigorous approach to teaching and for his ability to inspire his students to achieve their full potential. Many of his students went on to have successful careers as performers and composers. Throughout his career, Parry received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1953 for his services to music, and he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1971. He was also awarded honorary doctorates from several universities, including the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. Wilfrid Parry continued to perform and teach until his death on 11th March 1977. He left behind a legacy of exceptional performances, compositions, and teaching that continue to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world.

More....