Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

January 14, 1899 in Gloucester, England

Death

:

August 11, 1995 in Frampton on Severn, Gloucestershire, England

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

Herbert Sumsion was a British composer and organist who was born on 14 October 1899 in Gloucester, England. He was the son of a cathedral organist and began his musical education at an early age. Sumsion's father, Henry Sumsion, was the organist at Gloucester Cathedral, and he was responsible for introducing his son to the world of music. Herbert Sumsion's musical talent was evident from a young age, and he quickly became a skilled pianist and organist. Sumsion's early education was at the King's School in Gloucester, where he was a chorister. He then went on to study at the Royal College of Music in London, where he was a student of Charles Villiers Stanford. Sumsion's time at the Royal College of Music was interrupted by World War I, during which he served in the Royal Navy. After the war, he returned to the Royal College of Music and completed his studies. After completing his studies, Sumsion returned to Gloucester, where he became the assistant organist at the cathedral. He was later appointed as the cathedral organist, a position he held for over 30 years. During his time as the cathedral organist, Sumsion became known for his skill as an improviser and his ability to play a wide range of music. Sumsion's compositions were heavily influenced by his work as a cathedral organist. He wrote a number of choral works, including anthems, canticles, and hymns. His most famous choral work is probably his setting of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, which is still regularly performed in cathedrals and churches throughout the UK. In addition to his choral works, Sumsion also wrote a number of organ pieces. His organ music is characterized by its clarity and simplicity, and it is often used in church services. Sumsion's most famous organ work is probably his Prelude on "Down Ampney," which is based on a hymn tune by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Sumsion was also a respected conductor, and he conducted a number of choirs throughout his career. He was particularly associated with the Three Choirs Festival, which is held annually in Gloucester, Hereford, and Worcester. Sumsion conducted the festival on a number of occasions, and he was also responsible for commissioning a number of new works for the festival. Sumsion's contribution to the world of music was recognized in a number of ways during his lifetime. He was awarded an OBE in 1956 for his services to music, and he was also made a Fellow of the Royal College of Music. In addition, he was awarded honorary doctorates by the universities of Bristol and Durham. Herbert Sumsion died on 11 May 1995 at the age of 95. He is remembered as one of the most important British composers of the 20th century, and his music continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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