Goossens, Leon

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Goossens, Leon (b Liverpool, 1897; d Tunbridge Wells, 1988). Eng. oboist, brother of above. Prin. oboist Queen's Hall Orch. 1914, later at CG. Prin. ob. LPO from its formation, 1932–9. Then freelance as soloist and chamber mus. player. Prof. of oboe RAM 1924–35, RCM 1924–39. Brilliant virtuoso for whom several composers—e.g. Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Britten, Gordon Jacob, and Eugene Goossens—wrote works. Teeth and lips injured in car accident 1962 but he developed a new technique and resumed his career 1966, playing with almost undiminished skill. CBE 1950.