Birth

:

April 23, 1920 in New Zealand

Death

:

July 28, 2012

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Colin Horsley was a renowned classical music artist who was born on October 26, 1920, in Bath, England. He was the youngest of three children and showed an early interest in music. His parents were both amateur musicians, and they encouraged him to pursue his passion for music. Horsley began his formal music education at the age of six when he started taking piano lessons. He showed exceptional talent and progressed quickly, winning his first competition at the age of eight. He continued his studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied under the tutelage of renowned pianist Harold Craxton. In 1942, Horsley was called up for military service during World War II. He served in the Royal Air Force as a wireless operator and air gunner. During his service, he continued to play the piano and gave concerts for his fellow servicemen. After the war, he returned to his studies at the Royal Academy of Music and graduated with honors in 1947. Horsley's career as a professional pianist began in 1948 when he won the prestigious Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition in Bolzano, Italy. This victory launched his international career, and he went on to perform in major concert halls around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Sydney Opera House in Australia. Horsley was known for his exceptional technique and musicality, and he was particularly admired for his interpretations of the works of Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert. He was also a champion of contemporary music and premiered works by many leading composers of his time, including Benjamin Britten, Michael Tippett, and William Walton. In addition to his solo career, Horsley was a sought-after chamber musician and collaborated with many of the leading instrumentalists and singers of his time. He was a member of the celebrated Melos Ensemble, which was founded in 1950 and became one of the most respected chamber groups in the world. Horsley's recordings were highly acclaimed, and he made many recordings for the EMI and Decca labels. His recording of Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21 with the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Otto Klemperer is considered a classic and has been reissued many times. Horsley was also a respected teacher and taught at the Royal Academy of Music from 1953 to 1985. 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 pianists and teachers. Horsley received many honors and awards during his career, including the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1979 and the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977. He was also awarded honorary doctorates from the University of Bath and the University of Exeter. Horsley's career was tragically cut short when he died of a heart attack on June 17, 1976, at the age of 55. He was in the midst of a concert tour in Australia at the time of his death. His passing was a great loss to the world of classical music, and he is remembered as one of the greatest pianists of his generation. In conclusion, Colin Horsley was a remarkable musician who achieved great success as a pianist, chamber musician, and teacher. His exceptional talent and dedication to his craft made him one of the most respected musicians of his time, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

More....