Role

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Composer  

Birth

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1929

Period

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Contemporary

Genre

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Keyboard

 

 

Orchestral

 

Noel Rawsthorne is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music. He was born on December 24, 1929, in Liverpool, England. Rawsthorne's love for music began at a young age, and he started playing the piano when he was just five years old. He later learned to play the organ and became a skilled musician. Rawsthorne's musical career began in 1947 when he became the organist at St. George's Church in Everton, Liverpool. He held this position for six years before moving to St. Mary's Church in Nottingham in 1953. He served as the organist and choirmaster at St. Mary's for 27 years, during which time he gained a reputation as one of the finest organists in the country. Rawsthorne's talent as an organist was recognized early on in his career, and he was invited to perform at some of the most prestigious venues in the world. In 1955, he played at the Royal Festival Hall in London, and in 1958, he performed at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. He also played at the Sydney Opera House in Australia in 1973. Rawsthorne's performances were always well-received, and he received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 1969, he was awarded the Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists, and in 1971, he was made a Fellow of the Royal School of Church Music. He was also awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 1980 for his services to music. Rawsthorne was not only a talented performer but also a prolific composer. He wrote over 200 pieces of music, including organ music, choral music, and hymns. His compositions were widely performed and recorded, and he was considered one of the leading composers of church music in the 20th century. One of Rawsthorne's most famous compositions is his arrangement of the hymn "Morning Has Broken." This hymn, which was originally written by Eleanor Farjeon, became popular after it was recorded by Cat Stevens in 1971. Rawsthorne's arrangement of the hymn, which features a beautiful organ accompaniment, has become a staple in many church services around the world. Rawsthorne retired from his position at St. Mary's Church in 1980 but continued to perform and compose music. He was appointed Organist Emeritus of St. Mary's in recognition of his many years of service to the church. He also served as a visiting professor at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and gave masterclasses and workshops around the world. Rawsthorne passed away on November 28, 2019, at the age of 89. His legacy as a talented musician and composer lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and enjoyed by people around the world. His contributions to the world of music have been recognized by many, and he will always be remembered as one of the greats in the field of classical music.

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