Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

Canada

Birth

:

October 12, 1880 in Balham, London, England

Death

:

February 16, 1968 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Genre

:

Choral

 

Healey Willan was a Canadian composer and organist who was born on October 12, 1880, in Balham, London, England. He was the youngest of six children born to his parents, who were both musicians. Willan's father was a church organist, and his mother was a singer and pianist. Willan's family moved to Canada when he was just a year old, settling in Toronto. Willan showed an early interest in music, and his parents encouraged him to pursue his passion. He began taking piano lessons at the age of six and later studied organ and composition. Willan's talent was evident from a young age, and he quickly became known as a gifted musician. In 1901, Willan traveled to England to study at the Royal College of Music in London. He studied composition with Charles Villiers Stanford and organ with Walter Parratt. Willan's time in England was a formative experience, and he was exposed to a wide range of musical styles and traditions. After completing his studies in England, Willan returned to Canada and began his career as a composer and organist. He quickly established himself as one of Canada's leading musicians, and his works were performed by some of the country's top orchestras and choirs. Willan's music was heavily influenced by his English training, and he was known for his use of traditional forms and harmonies. He was also deeply interested in the music of the church, and many of his works were written for use in religious services. One of Willan's most famous works is his anthem "O King All Glorious," which was written in 1912. The piece is a setting of a hymn by the English poet and hymn writer Henry W. Baker, and it has become a staple of Anglican church music. Another of Willan's well-known works is his "Missa Brevis No. 1 in E-flat," which was written in 1920. The piece is a short mass setting that is still frequently performed today. In addition to his work as a composer, Willan was also a respected organist. He served as the organist and choirmaster at several churches in Toronto, including St. Paul's Anglican Church and the Church of St. Mary Magdalene. Willan was known for his skill as an improviser, and he often incorporated improvisation into his performances. Willan continued to compose and perform throughout his life, and he was widely recognized as one of Canada's most important musicians. He received numerous awards and honors, including the Order of Canada in 1955. Willan died on February 16, 1968, in Toronto, at the age of 87. Today, Willan's music continues to be performed and celebrated around the world. His contributions to Canadian music and the music of the church have had a lasting impact, and his legacy lives on through his compositions and the musicians he inspired.

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