Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

Ireland

Birth

:

June 15, 1886 in Armagh, Northern Ireland

Death

:

July 12, 1926 in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

Charles Wood was a British composer and organist who lived from 1866 to 1926. He was born in Armagh, Northern Ireland, and showed an early aptitude for music. His father was a choirmaster and organist, and Charles began playing the organ at his father's church when he was just seven years old. He also received piano lessons from his mother, who was a talented pianist. Wood's musical education continued at the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied composition with Charles Villiers Stanford. Stanford was a major influence on Wood's musical style, and the two became lifelong friends. Wood also studied organ with Walter Parratt and received a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Cambridge. After completing his studies, Wood returned to Armagh and became the organist and choirmaster at St. Patrick's Cathedral. He held this position for over 30 years and was highly respected for his musical abilities. He also taught music at the Armagh Diocesan School and was a founding member of the Irish Church Music Association. Wood's compositions were primarily choral works, and he wrote extensively for church choirs. His music was influenced by the English choral tradition, and he was known for his use of rich harmonies and expressive melodies. Some of his most famous works include the anthem "O Thou, the Central Orb," the hymn tune "Woodlands," and the cantata "St. Mark Passion." Wood's music was widely performed during his lifetime, and he was highly regarded by his contemporaries. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree from the University of Dublin in 1902 and was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1918. He also served as the president of the Royal College of Organists from 1919 to 1921. Despite his success as a composer and organist, Wood was known for his modesty and humility. He was deeply committed to his faith and saw his music as a way to serve God. He once said, "I have always felt that music is a gift from God, and that it should be used to His glory." Wood's legacy as a composer and organist continues to this day. His music is still performed by choirs around the world, and his influence can be heard in the works of many contemporary composers. He is remembered as a master of choral music and a devoted servant of God.

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