Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

September 26, 1926 in Coventry, West Midlands, England

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

Arthur Wills was a British composer and organist who was born on September 19, 1926, in Cambridge, England. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father was a church organist, and his mother was a pianist. Wills began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Wills attended the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied composition with Herbert Howells and organ with Harold Darke. He also studied with Nadia Boulanger in Paris, who was a renowned teacher of composition. Wills was deeply influenced by the music of Bach, and his compositions often reflect this influence. Wills began his career as a church organist, serving at several churches in England, including St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. He was also a professor of music at the University of East Anglia, where he taught composition and music theory. Wills composed a wide range of music, including choral works, organ music, and orchestral pieces. His compositions are known for their intricate harmonies and use of counterpoint. He was particularly skilled at writing for the organ, and his organ music is considered some of the finest of the 20th century. One of Wills' most famous works is his "Missa Brevis," which was composed in 1965. The piece is a setting of the Latin Mass, and it is known for its intricate harmonies and use of polyphony. The "Missa Brevis" has been performed by choirs all over the world and is considered a masterpiece of choral music. Another notable work by Wills is his "Organ Symphony," which was composed in 1971. The piece is a four-movement work for organ and orchestra, and it is known for its virtuosic organ writing and lush orchestration. The "Organ Symphony" has been performed by some of the world's leading organists and orchestras and is considered one of the greatest works for organ and orchestra of the 20th century. Wills also composed several works for solo organ, including his "Passacaglia and Fugue," which is a virtuosic work that showcases the full range of the organ. The piece is known for its intricate counterpoint and use of chromaticism. In addition to his compositions, Wills was also a respected musicologist and wrote several books on music theory and composition. He was particularly interested in the music of Bach and wrote extensively on the subject. Wills received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Order of the British Empire in 1990 for his services to music. He was also a fellow of the Royal College of Organists and the Royal Society of Arts. Wills continued to compose and perform music well into his 80s. He died on March 12, 2020, at the age of 93. His legacy as a composer and organist continues to inspire musicians all over the world, and his music remains an important part of the classical music canon.

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