Role

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Composer

Genre

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Choral

 

Cyril Alington was a British composer and musician who lived from 1872 to 1955. He was born in Upminster, Essex, England, to a family of musicians. His father, William Alington, was a church organist and music teacher, and his mother, Mary Alington, was a singer. Cyril Alington showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at a young age. Alington received his early education at Uppingham School, where he was a chorister and later became head of the music department. He went on to study music at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was a member of the choir and studied under the composer Charles Villiers Stanford. Alington was awarded a Bachelor of Music degree in 1895 and a Doctor of Music degree in 1901. After completing his studies, Alington worked as a music teacher and organist. He held positions at several churches in England, including St. John's College, Cambridge, and St. Mary's Church, Oxford. He also served as the organist and choirmaster at Eton College from 1902 to 1912. Alington was a prolific composer, and his works include choral music, hymns, and organ music. He was particularly known for his hymns, many of which are still sung in churches today. Some of his most famous hymns include "Forward Through the Ages," "O Love Divine, How Sweet Thou Art," and "Jesus, Where'er Thy People Meet." In addition to his hymns, Alington composed a number of choral works, including anthems, cantatas, and oratorios. One of his most famous choral works is "The Resurrection," which was first performed in 1905. The piece is a setting of the Easter story and features a large choir, soloists, and orchestra. Alington also composed a significant amount of organ music, including preludes, fugues, and other pieces. His organ music is known for its technical difficulty and its use of complex harmonies and counterpoint. Throughout his career, Alington was recognized for his contributions to music. He was awarded the Lambeth Doctorate of Music in 1928 and was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Music in 1931. He was also a member of the Royal Philharmonic Society and the Royal School of Church Music. Despite his success as a composer and musician, Alington was known for his humility and his dedication to his faith. He was ordained as a priest in the Church of England in 1913 and served as a chaplain during World War I. He later became the Dean of Durham Cathedral, where he served until his retirement in 1949. Cyril Alington's legacy as a composer and musician continues to be felt today. His hymns and choral works are still performed in churches around the world, and his organ music is studied and performed by organists today. His contributions to music have earned him a place in the history of classical music, and his dedication to his faith has inspired generations of musicians and worshippers.

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