Edward Bairstow facts for kids

Sir Edward Cuthbert Bairstow (born August 22, 1874 – died May 1, 1946) was an English organist and composer. He was well-known for his beautiful church music.

Life and Career

Edward Bairstow was born in Huddersfield, England, in 1874. He loved music from a young age and decided to study the organ.

He learned to play the organ with John Farmer at Balliol College in Oxford. He also studied with Frederick Bridge at Westminster Abbey, a very famous church in London. Edward Bairstow earned his music degrees from Durham University.

After working in other cities like London, Wigan, and Leeds, he became the main organist at York Minster in 1913. York Minster is a huge and important cathedral. He stayed there until he passed away. His student, Francis Jackson, took over his job and later wrote a book about him.

In 1932, Edward Bairstow was made a knight by the King. This meant he could use "Sir" before his name, which is a great honor for his contributions to music. He was very dedicated to his work in Yorkshire and even turned down a job at Westminster Abbey, showing how much he loved his home region.

Important Dates

• 1893 Organist at All Saints, Norfolk Square
• 1899 Organist at Wigan Parish Church
• 1906 Organist at Leeds Parish Church
• 1913 Became Master of Music at York Minster
• 1932 Knighted for his musical achievements

Music He Wrote

Sir Edward Bairstow wrote most of his music for churches. He composed many pieces for choirs and organs.

He wrote 29 anthems, which are special songs for church services. Some of his famous anthems include Blessed city, heavenly Salem and I sat down under his shadow. One of his most popular anthems is Let all mortal flesh keep silence.

He also wrote music for church services, like settings for Evening Prayer and Communion. Besides church music, he composed some pieces for the organ, such as his Sonata in E♭.

Key Musical Works

• If the Lord had not helped me
• Blessed city, Heavenly Salem
• Lord, Thou hast been our refuge
• I sat down under his shadow
• Let all mortal flesh keep silence
• The Lamentations of Jeremiah
• Sing ye to the Lord
• Save us, O Lord
• Though I speak with the tongues of men
• Jesu grant me this I pray
• The King of love my shepherd is
• Evening Service in G minor
• Evening Service in D
• Evening song, for organ
• Prelude, Elegy and Toccata for organ

Books He Wrote

Sir Edward Bairstow also wrote books about music:

• Counterpoint and Harmony: This book teaches how to write music with different melodies playing at the same time.
• The Evolution of Musical Form: This book talks about how music styles have changed over time.
• Singing Learned from Speech: A Primer for Teachers and Students: This book helps teachers and students learn to sing better by understanding how we speak.

See also

In Spanish: Edward Bairstow para niños