Role

:

Composer Conductor

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

Denys Darlow was a renowned classical music artist who was born on May 22, 1931, in London, England. He was a talented musician who had a passion for music from a young age. He started playing the piano at the age of five and later learned to play the organ. His parents were supportive of his musical interests and encouraged him to pursue his passion. Darlow attended the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied organ and harpsichord. He was a gifted student and won several awards during his time at the college. After completing his studies, he began his career as a freelance musician, performing in concerts and recitals across the UK. In 1957, Darlow was appointed as the organist and choirmaster at St. George's Church in Hanover Square, London. He held this position for over 20 years and became known for his exceptional performances and innovative programming. He also worked as a music teacher at several schools and colleges, including the Royal Academy of Music. Throughout his career, Darlow was a passionate advocate for early music. He was particularly interested in the music of the Baroque period and became known for his performances of works by composers such as Bach, Handel, and Purcell. He was also a pioneer in the use of period instruments, and his performances were known for their authenticity and historical accuracy. One of the highlights of Darlow's career was his performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion at St. George's Church in 1964. This was a groundbreaking performance, as it was the first time the work had been performed in its entirety in the UK. The performance was a huge success and received critical acclaim. Darlow also performed at several prestigious venues, including the Royal Albert Hall and the Wigmore Hall. He was a regular performer at the Bath Festival and the Edinburgh Festival, where he was known for his innovative programming and exceptional performances. In addition to his performances, Darlow was also a prolific recording artist. He recorded over 50 albums during his career, many of which were highly acclaimed. His recordings of Bach's organ works and Handel's harpsichord music were particularly well-received. Darlow received several awards and honors during his career. In 1977, he was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his services to music. He was also awarded the Handel Prize by the City of Halle in Germany in recognition of his contributions to the performance of Handel's music. Despite his success, Darlow remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He was known for his kindness and generosity, and he was a beloved figure in the classical music community. He continued to perform and record music until his death in 2001 at the age of 70. In conclusion, Denys Darlow was a talented and innovative classical music artist who made significant contributions to the performance of early music. His exceptional performances and recordings have left a lasting legacy, and he remains an inspiration to musicians and music lovers around the world.

More....