Role

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Composer

Genre

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Choral

 

Arthur Hutchings was a British composer, musicologist, and academic who made significant contributions to the field of music. He was born on March 26, 1906, in London, England, and grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a church organist, and his mother was a singer. From a young age, Hutchings showed a keen interest in music and began studying the piano and organ. Hutchings attended the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied composition with Ralph Vaughan Williams and conducting with Adrian Boult. He also studied musicology at the University of London, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1928 and a Doctor of Music degree in 1933. After completing his studies, Hutchings worked as a music teacher and conductor. He taught at the Royal College of Music and the University of Durham, where he was appointed professor of music in 1946. He also conducted several choirs and orchestras, including the Durham University Symphony Orchestra and the Newcastle Bach Choir. Hutchings was a prolific composer, and his works include orchestral music, chamber music, choral music, and songs. His compositions are characterized by their lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and use of traditional forms and structures. Some of his most notable works include his Symphony No. 1, String Quartet No. 1, and the choral work "The Testament of Freedom." In addition to his work as a composer, Hutchings was also a respected musicologist. He wrote several books on music, including "Music in the Western World," "The Baroque Concerto," and "Handel." He was also a frequent contributor to music journals and served as the editor of the journal "Music and Letters" from 1952 to 1967. Hutchings was a highly respected figure in the world of music, and he received numerous honors and awards throughout his career. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 1957 and a Fellow of the British Academy in 1960. He was also awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1967 for his services to music. Despite his many achievements, Hutchings remained humble and dedicated to his work. He continued to compose and teach until his death on June 22, 1989, at the age of 83. His legacy lives on through his music and his contributions to the field of musicology.

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