Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

September 15, 1890 in Wigan, Lancashire, England

Death

:

May 24, 1979 in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Ernest Bullock was a British composer, conductor, and organist who was born on September 15, 1890, in Wigan, Lancashire. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father, William Bullock, was a choirmaster and organist, and his mother, Mary, was a singer. Ernest showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. He later learned to play the organ and became a chorister at Manchester Cathedral. Bullock's musical education continued at the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied composition with Charles Villiers Stanford and organ with Walter Parratt. He also studied conducting with Adrian Boult and Malcolm Sargent. After completing his studies, Bullock became the organist and choirmaster at St. Michael's Church in Chester, where he remained for six years. In 1928, Bullock was appointed the organist and choirmaster at Westminster Abbey, one of the most prestigious positions in British church music. He held this position until 1941, when he resigned due to ill health. During his time at Westminster Abbey, Bullock was responsible for the music at many important state occasions, including the coronation of King George VI in 1937. Bullock was a prolific composer, and his works include choral music, organ music, and orchestral music. His choral music is particularly well-regarded and includes many settings of hymns and anthems. One of his most famous works is the anthem "Give us the wings of faith," which is still frequently performed today. Other notable works include the cantata "The Pilgrim's Progress," the oratorio "The Kingdom," and the opera "The Spanish Lady." Bullock was also a respected conductor, and he conducted many of his own works as well as those of other composers. He was particularly known for his interpretations of the music of Handel and Bach. In addition to his work at Westminster Abbey, Bullock was also the conductor of the London Bach Choir and the Huddersfield Choral Society. Despite his success as a composer and conductor, Bullock was known for his modesty and humility. He was deeply committed to his faith and saw his music as a way of expressing his devotion to God. He once said, "I have always felt that music is a gift from God, and that it should be used to glorify Him." Bullock's health began to decline in the 1940s, and he was forced to retire from his positions at Westminster Abbey and the London Bach Choir. He continued to compose, however, and his final work, the anthem "The Lord Bless You and Keep You," was completed just a few weeks before his death on February 17, 1979. Today, Ernest Bullock is remembered as one of the most important British composers of the 20th century. His music continues to be performed and recorded, and his legacy lives on through the many musicians he inspired and influenced.

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