Birth

:

January 24, 1924

Death

:

March 26, 2012

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

David Craighead was an American classical organist and music educator who was born on January 24, 1924, in Strathmore, California. He was the son of a Presbyterian minister and grew up in a musical family. His mother was a pianist, and his father played the violin. Craighead began playing the piano at a young age and later switched to the organ. Craighead attended the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1944. He then went on to study at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he earned a Master of Music degree in 1946. While at Eastman, Craighead studied with renowned organist and composer, Harold Gleason. After completing his studies, Craighead began his career as a church organist. He served as the organist and choir director at several churches, including the First Presbyterian Church in Rochester, New York, and the First Presbyterian Church in Binghamton, New York. In 1955, Craighead joined the faculty of the Eastman School of Music as an instructor of organ. He later became a professor of organ and served as the chair of the organ department from 1969 to 1984. During his tenure at Eastman, Craighead taught many notable organists, including Thomas Murray, William Porter, and Todd Wilson. Craighead was also an active performer throughout his career. He gave recitals and performed as a soloist with orchestras throughout the United States and Europe. He was particularly known for his performances of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and was considered one of the foremost Bach interpreters of his time. One of Craighead's most notable performances was his 1971 recital at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. The recital was part of a series of concerts celebrating the completion of the cathedral's new organ, which was the largest in the world at the time. Craighead's performance was widely praised, and he was hailed as a master of the organ. Craighead also made several recordings throughout his career. His recordings of Bach's organ works are considered some of the best ever made. He also recorded works by other composers, including César Franck, Louis Vierne, and Olivier Messiaen. In addition to his performing and teaching careers, Craighead was also active in several professional organizations. He served as the president of the American Guild of Organists from 1977 to 1980 and was a member of the board of directors of the International Society of Organbuilders. Craighead received many honors and awards throughout his career. In 1986, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Ronald Reagan. The award recognized Craighead's contributions to the field of classical music and his dedication to teaching and mentoring young musicians. Craighead retired from teaching in 1994 but continued to perform and record until his death in 2012. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest organists of his time and left a lasting legacy as a performer, teacher, and mentor to generations of young musicians.

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