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“Richard Purvis, Organist of grace” By James Welch |
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A new book that will
be of interest to organists everywhere is James Welch's newly published
biography, Richard Purvis, Organist of Grace. A pupil of Alexander
McCurdy and a classmate of Leonard Bernstein at The Curtis Institute in the
1930s, Purvis began composing widely programmed music before enlisting in the
Army and fighting on the European Front, where he was captured by the Nazis
during the vicious Battle of the Bulge. A survivor in every sense, he wrote
some of his most enduring music in foxholes and in prison camp. After the
war, he returned to his native San Francisco, where he achieved a national
reputation as Organist and Master of the Choristers at San Francisco's Grace
Cathedral, concert artist, teacher, and composer of more than 100 colorful
works for the organ. This 508-page
biography provides facts, photos, and anecdotes published for the first time
anywhere. Of particular interest to
Utah organists are the stories and reviews about Purvis's 1951 visit to
perform on the recently installed Tabernacle organ. The story of memorable encounter with
Alexander Schreiner and Frank Asper (courtesy Bob Tall), as well as reviews
of his recital (courtesy Harry Cross), are included in the book. Richard Purvis,
Organist of Grace is available now for the introductory price of $19.95
(including all sales taxes) at www.welchorganist.com; shipping $3.59 for
any size order sent to the same U.S. address.
Credit card payments are accepted on the PayPal site. |
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