Paul Edwards (composer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paul Christison Edwards
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 19 March 1955 |
| Origin | Bedford Modern School |
| Occupations | Composer |
Paul Christison Edwards (born 19 March 1955) is an English musician. He is a talented organist and a composer who writes music, especially for the Anglican Church.
Life and Music
Paul Edwards grew up in a village called Turvey in Bedfordshire, England. He went to school at St Paul's Choir School and Bedford Modern School.
When he was younger, Paul was a chorister (a singer in a choir) at the famous St Paul's Cathedral for about four and a half years. After that, he spent a similar amount of time as a lay clerk (a professional adult singer) at Peterborough Cathedral.
Paul has worked as an organist and choir master at several churches in Bedfordshire. These include All Saints in Turvey and St. Paul's Church, Bedford. He also teaches music, plays the piano for other musicians, and sings in choirs.
His Compositions and Recordings
Paul Edwards has written almost 450 musical pieces! These include about 150 hymn tunes and many anthems (songs often sung in church). Many of his works have been published in collections like Hymns for Today’s Church and Carols for Today.
One of his most famous carols is No Small Wonder, which he wrote in 1983. This carol was first published in 1986. It was even recorded by the Canterbury Cathedral Choir. In 2000, it was heard during the famous Nine Lessons and Carols service, broadcast on BBC Television by the Choir of King's College, Cambridge.
Paul has also made recordings of old, special organs found in North Bedfordshire. He has also helped publish ten books of 18th-century English organ music. His own music can be heard on several CDs.
Inspiration and Hobbies
Paul Edwards often finds ideas for his music from the beautiful English countryside, especially in Norfolk. Besides music, he enjoys driving and taking pictures of buses and coaches.
Selected Recordings
Paul Edwards' music has been recorded on several albums. Here are a couple of examples:
- No Small Wonder Music for Christmas and Remembrance - performed by The Concord Singers.
- God be in my head Choral works by Paul Edwards - performed by The Chapel Choir of Selwyn College, Cambridge.
