Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

November 22, 1930 in Minehead, Somerset

Death

:

March 3, 2019 in London, England

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

Peter Hurford was a renowned classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of organ music. He was born on November 22, 1930, in Minehead, Somerset, England. Hurford's father was a church organist, and he grew up in a musical family. He began playing the piano at a young age and later switched to the organ. Hurford's musical education began at the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied under Ralph Downes. Downes was a prominent organist and a leading figure in the revival of the English organ. Hurford was greatly influenced by Downes and his approach to organ playing. He later studied with Marie-Claire Alain in Paris, who was also a significant influence on his musical style. Hurford's career as an organist began in the 1950s when he became the organist and choirmaster at St. Albans Cathedral. He held this position for ten years and made significant contributions to the music program at the cathedral. During his tenure, he established the St. Albans International Organ Festival, which has since become one of the most prestigious organ competitions in the world. Hurford's reputation as an organist grew rapidly, and he soon became a sought-after performer and recording artist. He made numerous recordings for various labels, including Decca, EMI, and Hyperion. His recordings of Bach's organ works are particularly noteworthy and are considered some of the best interpretations of these pieces. Hurford's performances were characterized by his technical proficiency and his ability to bring out the emotional depth of the music. He was known for his precise and articulate playing, as well as his ability to create a sense of drama and tension in his performances. His interpretations of Bach's music were particularly notable for their clarity and precision. Hurford's career was marked by numerous highlights and achievements. In 1978, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his services to music. He was also awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's Instrumentalist Award in 1980. In 1982, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Hurford's performances at major venues around the world were also significant highlights of his career. He performed at the Royal Festival Hall in London, the Lincoln Center in New York, and the Sydney Opera House, among others. He also performed at numerous international music festivals, including the Salzburg Festival and the Edinburgh Festival. Hurford's contributions to the world of organ music extended beyond his performances and recordings. He was also a respected teacher and lecturer, and he wrote several books on organ playing and music history. He was a professor of organ at the Royal Academy of Music in London and taught at several other institutions throughout his career. Hurford's legacy as an organist and musician is significant. He was a leading figure in the revival of the English organ and played a significant role in promoting the music of Bach and other composers. His recordings and performances continue to be admired and studied by musicians and music lovers around the world. Peter Hurford passed away on March 3, 2019, at the age of 88. His contributions to the world of organ music will be remembered for generations to come.

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