Walter Parratt

Sir Walter Parratt ( born February 10, 1841 in Huddersfield, † March 27, 1924 in Windsor ) was an English organist, music educator, choral conductor and composer.

The son of the organist Thomas Parratt had organ lessons junior with his father and George Cooper. Eleven years old, he became organist at the Armitage Bridge Church, from 1854 to 1861 he was organist church his home town of St. Paul's. Until 1868, he had to find employment as organist of the Earl of Dudley to Witley Court From 1868 to 1872 he was organist at Wigan Parish Church.

1872 Parratt successor of John Stainer at Magdalen College, Oxford. He had held the position for ten years and during this time influenced the musical life at Oxford University decisive. From 1882 he was organist at St. George 's Chapel at Windsor Castle. At the same time he was conductor of the Windsor and Eaton Madrigal Society and the Windsor and Eaton Choral Society. In 1883 he became professor of organ at the Royal College of Music. In 1892 he was raised to the peerage, in the following year he became Master of Music of Queen Victoria and Royal Private organist. In this function he also served their successors, Edward VII and George V. From 1908 to 1918 he was professor of music at Oxford University.

Parratt composed incidental music, church music, anthems, songs, organ and piano pieces. However, he had his greatest importance as an interpreter in particular the complete organ works of Johann Sebastian Bach and especially as organ teacher.

Swell

• The Musical Times, May 1, 1924 p 401
• Bardon Music - Biography of Sir Walter Parratt
• Encyclopaedia Britannica - Sir Walter Parrett

• Man
• Born in 1841
• Died in 1924
• Classic organist
• Music teacher
• Church musician
• Choirmaster
• Composer