Darke, Harold (Edwin)

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Darke, Harold (Edwin) (b London, 1888; d Cambridge, 1976). Eng. organist, conductor, and composer. Org. of St Michael's, Cornhill, 1916–66, with wartime break as org. King's Coll., Cambridge, 1941–5. Org. prof. RCM 1919–69. D.Mus., Oxford. Founded St Michael's Singers to perform Bach cantatas, Byrd's Great Service and works by Parry, Vaughan Williams, Howells, etc. Comp. cantatas (Ring Out, Ye Crystal Spheres, An Hymn of Heavenly Beauty, etc.), org. works, songs, pf. pieces, and notable setting of carol In the Bleak Midwinter. CBE 1966.