Whitlock Percy (William)

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Whitlock Percy (William)

Whitlock Percy (William) English organist and composer; b. Chatham, June 1, 1903; d. Bournemouth, May 1, 1946. He received musical instruction as a choirboy at Rochester Cathedral, and then studied in London at the Guildhall School of Music and the Royal Coll. of Music. After serving as assistant organist at Rochester Cathedral (1921-30), he settled in Bournemouth and was director of music at St. Stephen’s (1930-35) and borough organist (1932-46). He became well known as a recitalist. He composed a Sym. for Organ and Orch., much organ music, including a Sonata, Plymouth Suite, and 5 Short Pieces in Various Styles, and many vocal works, among them services, anthems, hymn tunes, and motets.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire