Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

March 29, 1906 in Westcliff, England

Death

:

March 10, 1977 in Boston, MA

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

E. Power Biggs was a renowned classical music artist who was born on March 29, 1906, in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, England. He was a prolific organist, harpsichordist, and music scholar who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His unique style of playing the organ and harpsichord made him one of the most sought-after musicians of his time. Biggs was born into a family of musicians. His father, a church organist, recognized his son's musical talent at an early age and began teaching him the piano. By the age of six, Biggs was already playing the organ in his father's church. He continued to study music throughout his childhood and adolescence, eventually attending the Royal Academy of Music in London. After completing his studies, Biggs began his career as a concert organist, performing in churches and concert halls throughout England. In 1930, he moved to the United States, where he quickly established himself as one of the country's leading organists. He performed regularly at the Riverside Church in New York City, where he played on the church's massive Aeolian-Skinner organ. Biggs was known for his virtuosic performances and his ability to bring out the unique qualities of each instrument he played. He was particularly renowned for his performances on the harpsichord, an instrument that had fallen out of favor in the classical music world. Biggs helped to revive interest in the harpsichord, performing on the instrument in concerts and recordings throughout his career. One of Biggs' most significant achievements was his series of recordings of the complete organ works of Johann Sebastian Bach. He recorded these works on organs throughout Europe and the United States, bringing Bach's music to a wider audience and establishing himself as one of the foremost interpreters of Bach's music. Biggs also collaborated with other musicians throughout his career, including the conductor Leonard Bernstein and the composer Aaron Copland. He performed on numerous recordings and made appearances on television and radio programs, further expanding his reach and influence in the classical music world. Throughout his career, Biggs received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1958 and was inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in 1991. He also received honorary degrees from several universities, including Harvard and Yale. Biggs continued to perform and record music until his death in 1977. His legacy lives on through his recordings, which continue to be celebrated for their technical brilliance and musical sensitivity. He remains one of the most influential classical music artists of the 20th century, and his contributions to the world of music continue to inspire and delight audiences around the world.

More....