Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

March 28, 1883 in London, England

Death

:

September 6, 1973 in Petersfield, NH

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

William Henry Harris was a British composer and organist who was born on March 28, 1883, in Fulham, London. He was the son of a church organist and began his musical education at a young age. Harris attended the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied composition with Charles Villiers Stanford and organ with Walter Parratt. He was awarded the prestigious Mendelssohn Scholarship in 1906, which allowed him to study in Germany with Max Reger. After returning to England, Harris became the organist and choirmaster at St. Augustine's Church in Kilburn, London. He held this position from 1907 to 1919 and then moved to St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, where he served as the organist and choirmaster until 1933. During his time at St. George's Chapel, Harris composed many of his most famous works, including his anthem "Faire is the Heaven." Harris was known for his choral music, which was heavily influenced by the English choral tradition. His compositions were often written for Anglican church services and were performed by choirs throughout England. Harris's music was characterized by its rich harmonies, lyrical melodies, and use of counterpoint. One of Harris's most famous works is his anthem "Faire is the Heaven," which was composed in 1925. The piece is a setting of a poem by Edmund Spenser and is known for its soaring melodies and lush harmonies. "Faire is the Heaven" has become a staple of the English choral repertoire and is often performed at weddings and other special occasions. Another notable work by Harris is his anthem "Bring Us, O Lord God," which was composed in 1959. The piece is a setting of a prayer by John Donne and is known for its haunting melody and use of dissonance. "Bring Us, O Lord God" has become one of Harris's most popular works and is often performed by choirs around the world. Harris also composed several organ works, including his Prelude in E-flat Major and his Fantasia in E-flat Major. These pieces are known for their virtuosic organ writing and their use of chromatic harmonies. In addition to his work as a composer, Harris was also a respected organist and conductor. He was a fellow of the Royal College of Organists and served as the president of the Royal School of Church Music from 1955 to 1961. Harris was also awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1953 for his contributions to music. Harris died on September 6, 1973, in Petersfield, Hampshire, at the age of 90. His legacy as a composer and organist continues to be celebrated today, and his music remains an important part of the English choral tradition.

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