Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

January 23, 1893 in Daventry, England

Death

:

May 22, 1980 in Pasadena, CA

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Reginald Foort was a renowned classical music artist who was born on April 2, 1893, in Bristol, England. He was the son of a church organist and began playing the piano at a young age. He later became interested in the organ and began studying under his father's guidance. Foort's talent was evident from a young age, and he quickly became known for his exceptional skills on the organ. Foort's career as a professional musician began in 1915 when he was appointed as the organist at St. Anne's Church in Soho, London. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled performer and was soon in demand as a concert organist. In 1920, he was appointed as the organist at the City Temple in London, where he remained for the next 15 years. During his time at the City Temple, Foort became known for his innovative approach to organ music. He was one of the first organists to use the theatre organ, which allowed him to create a wider range of sounds and effects. He also began incorporating popular music into his performances, which helped to attract a wider audience to his concerts. Foort's reputation as a performer continued to grow, and he soon began touring internationally. He performed in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, where he was particularly popular. In 1934, he was appointed as the organist at the Paramount Theatre in New York City, where he remained for the next two years. One of Foort's most notable performances took place in 1935 when he played the organ for the coronation of King George VI. His performance was broadcast live on the radio, and it was heard by millions of people around the world. Foort's performance was widely praised, and it helped to cement his reputation as one of the world's leading organists. Foort continued to perform and record throughout the 1940s and 1950s. He made numerous recordings for the Decca label, and his performances were highly regarded by critics and audiences alike. In 1955, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his services to music. Foort retired from performing in the early 1960s, but he continued to be involved in the music industry. He served as a consultant for the Hammond Organ Company, and he also wrote several books on organ music. He passed away on May 22, 1980, at the age of 87. Reginald Foort was a pioneering figure in the world of classical music. His innovative approach to organ music helped to expand the possibilities of the instrument, and his performances were admired by audiences around the world. He remains an important figure in the history of classical music, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians today.

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