Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

July 26, 1939 in Banstead, Surrey, England

Death

:

June 16, 2013 in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

Richard Marlow was a renowned British conductor, organist, and choral director who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on March 26, 1939, in Bournemouth, England, Marlow showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. He later learned to play the organ and became a chorister at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford. Marlow's musical education continued at the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied under the tutelage of Sir David Willcocks. He also studied at the University of Oxford, where he earned a degree in music. After completing his studies, Marlow began his career as a music teacher at the Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe. In 1968, Marlow was appointed as the organist and choirmaster at Trinity College, Cambridge, a position he held for over thirty years. During his tenure, he transformed the college's choir into one of the finest in the world, earning widespread acclaim for his innovative programming and meticulous attention to detail. Marlow's reputation as a conductor and choral director continued to grow, and he was invited to lead numerous prestigious ensembles, including the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, the London Mozart Players, and the BBC Singers. He also served as the director of music at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, and was a visiting professor at the Royal Academy of Music. Throughout his career, Marlow was known for his expertise in early music, particularly the works of J.S. Bach. He was a prolific recording artist, with over fifty albums to his name, many of which featured his own arrangements of choral works. He also authored several books on music, including a biography of the composer Thomas Tallis. Marlow's contributions to the world of classical music were recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1998, he was appointed as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to music. He was also awarded the Queen's Medal for Music in 2011, becoming only the second person to receive the honor. Marlow's career was tragically cut short when he passed away on June 16, 2013, at the age of 74. However, his legacy lives on through his recordings, writings, and the countless musicians he inspired and mentored throughout his career.

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