Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1841

Death

:

1924

 

Walter Parratt was a renowned British composer, organist, and music educator who lived from 1841 to 1924. He was born on February 10, 1841, in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England, to a family of musicians. His father, Thomas Parratt, was a music teacher and organist, and his mother, Mary Ann, was a singer. Walter Parratt showed an early interest in music and began his musical education under his father's guidance. At the age of 14, Parratt became a chorister at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, where he received training in music theory, composition, and performance. He also studied the organ under the tutelage of George Cooper, the organist of St. George's Chapel. Parratt's talent and dedication soon became evident, and he was appointed as the assistant organist of St. George's Chapel in 1861, at the age of 20. In 1866, Parratt was appointed as the organist of Magdalen College, Oxford, a position he held for 53 years until his retirement in 1919. During his tenure at Magdalen College, Parratt established himself as one of the leading organists and composers of his time. He was also a highly respected music educator and taught many students who went on to become successful musicians. Parratt's compositions were highly regarded for their technical skill and emotional depth. He wrote music in a variety of genres, including choral music, organ music, and chamber music. Some of his most notable works include his anthem "I was glad," which was composed for the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902, and his organ piece "Chorale Prelude on 'Eventide'," which is still widely performed today. Parratt was also a prolific arranger of music, and he transcribed many works by other composers for the organ. His arrangements of works by Bach, Handel, and Mendelssohn are particularly well-regarded and are still performed by organists today. In addition to his work as a composer and organist, Parratt was also a dedicated music educator. He taught at the Royal College of Music in London and was appointed as the first professor of music at Oxford University in 1908. He was also a fellow of the Royal College of Organists and served as its president from 1897 to 1899. Parratt's contributions to the world of music were widely recognized during his lifetime. He was awarded the degree of Doctor of Music by the University of Oxford in 1883 and was knighted by King Edward VII in 1902. He was also awarded the Order of Merit by King George V in 1920, in recognition of his services to music. Walter Parratt died on March 27, 1924, at the age of 83. His legacy as a composer, organist, and music educator continues to be celebrated today, and his works are still performed and studied by musicians around the world.

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