Role

:

Conductor  

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

July 13, 1901 in Lincoln, NE

Death

:

May 5, 1990 in Canterbury, Kent, England

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Opera

 

Reginald Goodall was a British conductor and pianist who was born on July 13, 1901, in Lincolnshire, England. He was the son of a Methodist minister and grew up in a musical family. Goodall began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He went on to study at the Royal College of Music in London, where he received a scholarship to study piano and composition. Goodall began his career as a pianist, but he soon turned to conducting. He made his debut as a conductor in 1929 with the British National Opera Company. He went on to conduct for the Sadler's Wells Opera and the English Opera Group. Goodall was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to bring out the best in his musicians. One of Goodall's most significant achievements was his work with the English National Opera. He became the company's music director in 1975 and held the position until 1980. During his tenure, he conducted many of the company's most successful productions, including Wagner's Ring Cycle. Goodall was known for his deep understanding of Wagner's music, and his interpretations of the composer's works were highly regarded. Goodall was also a champion of contemporary music. He conducted the premieres of many new works, including Benjamin Britten's "The Turn of the Screw" and Michael Tippett's "The Knot Garden." Goodall was known for his ability to bring out the best in new music and to make it accessible to audiences. Goodall received many awards and honors throughout his career. In 1975, he was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to music. He was also awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society Gold Medal in 1986, one of the highest honors in British classical music. Goodall died on May 5, 1990, at the age of 88. He left behind a legacy as one of the most respected conductors of his generation. His meticulous attention to detail and his deep understanding of music made him a beloved figure in the classical music world.

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