Role

:

Composer Conductor

Birth

:

1936

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Colin Mawby was a British composer, conductor, and organist who was born on May 9, 1936, in West Sussex, England. He was the youngest of three children and grew up in a musical family. His father was a church organist, and his mother was a singer. Mawby began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Mawby attended the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied composition, conducting, and organ. He also studied with the renowned composer and conductor, Sir David Willcocks. After completing his studies, Mawby worked as a music teacher and organist at various churches in England. In 1961, Mawby was appointed as the Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral, one of the most prestigious Catholic churches in England. He held this position for over 35 years and was responsible for the music at all the cathedral's services, including the daily Mass and the major liturgical celebrations. During his time at Westminster Cathedral, Mawby composed a vast amount of music, including choral works, hymns, and organ pieces. His compositions were heavily influenced by his Catholic faith and often featured Latin texts. Mawby's music was known for its lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and intricate counterpoint. One of Mawby's most famous works is his setting of the Latin hymn, "Ave Verum Corpus." This piece has become a staple of choral repertoire and is often performed at weddings and other special occasions. Mawby's other notable works include "The Preces and Responses," "The Westminster Mass," and "The Litany of the Holy Name." In addition to his work as a composer, Mawby was also a respected conductor. He founded the Colin Mawby Singers, a professional choir that specialized in performing his own compositions. He also conducted many other choirs, including the BBC Singers and the London Mozart Players. Mawby was a prolific composer and continued to write music well into his later years. In 2016, he released his final album, "Ave Maria," which featured his own compositions as well as works by other composers. Throughout his career, Mawby received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music. In 2004, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his services to music. He was also made a Knight of St. Gregory by Pope John Paul II in recognition of his work in the Catholic Church. Colin Mawby passed away on November 24, 2019, at the age of 83. He left behind a legacy of beautiful music that continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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