Gavin Williamson(Winnipeg, 1897 - Chicago, 1989) was an American pianist, harpsichordist, organist and music educator. With pianistPhilip Manuel,he formed a duo in 1922 that helped promote the professional use ofharpsichordsin the United States.
Gavin Williamson | |
|---|---|
 Philip Manuel and Gavin Williamson | |
| Born | 1897 Winnipeg, Canada |
| Died | 1989(aged 91–92) Chicago, USA |
| Education | |
| Alma mater | University of Chicago |
| Occupation(s) | Pianist, harpsichordist, organist, music educator |
Life and career
editGavin Williamson was born inWinnipeg,Manitoba.He studied music at theUniversity of Chicagoand was a Fellow ofOxford Universitystudying withArtur Schnabel,Ethel LeginskaandTheodor Leschetizky.
At the University of Chicago, Williamson met Philip Manuel (1893–1959) and the two developed an interest in harpsichord as a concert instrument. At this time in the 1920s, there were fewer than 50 harpsichords in the United States, most located in museums.[1]The two men went to Paris in search of a builder, where they contracted withPleyel et Cieto produce two instruments for their use.[2]With these instruments, they initiated concert tours of the United States, and also worked as teachers of harpsichord, piano and voice. The two frequently played with theChicago Symphony Orchestra,and were broadcast on theNational Broadcasting Companyradio network.[3]
After his partner died in 1959, Williamson continued this career as a solo performer and music teacher. He died inChicagoat age 92. Notable students includeAlexander Frey,Rosalyn Tureck.,[4]andDina Koston.
Discography
edit- Concerto in C Major for 3 Harpsichords and Strings / Les cyclopes- Manuel and Williamson Harpsichord Ensemble with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (1948)
- Concerto in C Major for 2 Harpsichords and Strings/Musette de Taverny- Manuel and Williamson with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (1948)
See also
editReferences
edit- ^Heise, Kenan (25 April 1989),Gavin Williamson: Helped save harpsichord,Chicago Trubune,retrieved11 July2014
- ^Letters, Volumes 41-42,Washington, DC.: Time Inc., 1935,OCLC9467134
- ^Kipnis, Igor, ed. (2004-08-01),Harpsichord and Clavichord: An Encyclopedia,Routledge,ISBN9781135949785,retrieved12 July2014
- ^Duchen, Jessica(18 July 2003),"Rosalyn Tureck - Fearsomely demanding keyboard player dedicated to the music of JS Bach",The Guardian,retrieved12 July2014