Thomas Armstrong
Encyclopedia
Sir Thomas Armstrong was an English
organist
, conductor
, educationalist and adjudicator. He had a substantial influence on British music
for well over half a century. From 1955 to 1968 he was principal of the Royal Academy of Music
. He was knighted in 1958 for his services to music.
, the son of A.E. Armstrong, music teacher, organist of St. Augustine’s Church, Woodston, and conductor of the local orchestra and operatic society. Thomas became a choirboy at the Chapel Royal
, St James's Palace from 1907 to 1910 where he sang at the funeral of King Edward VII in Westminster Abbey
in 1910. From 1911 to 1915 he attended The King's School, Peterborough
. During this time he took lessons from his father and practised on the organ at Woodston every day before school, paying a boy a shilling each time for pumping the bellows. After a short period as organist of Thorney Abbey
he became articled to Haydn Keeton, organist of Peterborough Cathedral
. His fellow apprentice was Malcolm Sargent
, the future conductor, who became a lifelong friend. James Blades
, the future percussionist, was a chorister there at the time. Armstrong served as assistant organist in Peterborough for a year before being elected organ scholar
of Keble College, Oxford
in 1916.
His studies were interrupted by service in France
during World War I
. After the war he completed his studies in Oxford
, studying music with Professor Sir Hugh Allen
and organ under Dr Henry Ley
at Christ Church
. After going down from Oxford in 1922 he briefly took up an appointment at Manchester Cathedral
(assistant organist), during which time he worked with Sir Hamilton Harty
. The following year he was appointed organist of St. Peter's Church, Eaton Square
, London
. During this period he studied at the Royal College of Music
with Holst
and Vaughan Williams
, the latter becoming a lifelong friend. During this time he played the piano in cinemas for silent films, thus developing his skills as an improviser. From 1928-1933 he was organist of Exeter Cathedral
. During this period he was Director of Music of University College of the South-West. In 1929 he was awarded the Oxford DMus. He returned to Oxford in 1933 as organist of Christ Church in succession to William Harris
who had been appointed to St George’s Chapel, Windsor. Armstrong immersed himself in the musical life of the town, teaching, examining and conducting the Oxford Bach Choir
and Orchestral Society. His career reached a highlight in 1955 when he was appointed Principal of the Royal Academy of Music
, a post from which he retired in 1968.
International Eisteddfod
, where he drove regularly to adjudicate until he was ninety. The success of the festival owed much to his dedication and leadership. He was a helpful and kind adjudicator whose observations were thoughtful and perceptive. He was a great champion of British music, but was also very eager to learn from foreign musicians whom he met on his travels abroad.
.
s, carols
, services
and a large number of songs, many of them remaining unpublished. The ambitious secular works composed for his doctorate remained unperformed until after his death, when they were recorded on a Chandos CD which brought together several of his best works. His musical roots lie with Parry
and Elgar
, and the music of Vaughan Williams
and Delius
had a profound influence on his style. Two of Armstrong's compositions remain part of the musical fabric of the Church of England to this day. Firstly, the hymn tune 'Forest Green' sung at Christmas to the words "O little Town of Bethlehem" and the Te Deum Laudamus in F Major, originally written for Paston Grammar School in North Walsham, Norfolk, but now regarded as a leader in its genre for its innovative structure and compositional devices.
Trust, Chairman of the Royal Philharmonic Society
, a member of the Countess of Munster Trust, a member of the board of directors of the Royal Opera House
, a Governor of the Old Vic
-Sadler’s Wells
Foundation, Chairman of the Governors of the Central Tutorial School for Young Musicians (founded in 1962), now renamed the Purcell School
. He was Chairman of the Musicians Benevolent Fund, and in 1981 was elected an Honorary Student of Christ Church, Oxford (this was the equivalent of a “Fellow” in other colleges). He was made Honorary DMus of Edinburgh University. He was knighted in 1958.
. Wherever they went Thomas and Hester always took a sincere interest in the well-being of staff and students, and in return they were held in great respect. When he retired in 1968 they were persuaded by the violin
teacher Rosemary Rapaport
to come and live in the picturesque village of Newton Blossomville
in Buckinghamshire
, close to the Bedfordshire
border. Here he was happy to become part of village life, transforming the humble village choir which won several prizes at local music festivals. After the death of his wife, he followed Rosemary Rapaport to Olney, just a few miles away, where they shared a cottage. Even there he was delighted to play for Mass
at the local Roman Catholic church until he became too frail. Both as a musician and as a friend he had the power to enrich the lives of all who were associated with him.
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
organist
Organist
An organist is a musician who plays any type of organ. An organist may play solo organ works, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers or instrumental soloists...
, conductor
Conducting
Conducting is the art of directing a musical performance by way of visible gestures. The primary duties of the conductor are to unify performers, set the tempo, execute clear preparations and beats, and to listen critically and shape the sound of the ensemble...
, educationalist and adjudicator. He had a substantial influence on British music
British music
British music could refer to:* Music of the United Kingdom* English music* Irish music* Scottish music* Welsh music* Celtic music...
for well over half a century. From 1955 to 1968 he was principal of the Royal Academy of Music
Royal Academy of Music
The Royal Academy of Music in London, England, is a conservatoire, Britain's oldest degree-granting music school and a constituent college of the University of London since 1999. The Academy was founded by Lord Burghersh in 1822 with the help and ideas of the French harpist and composer Nicolas...
. He was knighted in 1958 for his services to music.
Career
Thomas Henry Wait Armstrong was born in PeterboroughPeterborough
Peterborough is a cathedral city and unitary authority area in the East of England, with an estimated population of in June 2007. For ceremonial purposes it is in the county of Cambridgeshire. Situated north of London, the city stands on the River Nene which flows into the North Sea...
, the son of A.E. Armstrong, music teacher, organist of St. Augustine’s Church, Woodston, and conductor of the local orchestra and operatic society. Thomas became a choirboy at the Chapel Royal
Chapel Royal
A Chapel Royal is a body of priests and singers who serve the spiritual needs of their sovereign wherever they are called upon to do so.-Austria:...
, St James's Palace from 1907 to 1910 where he sang at the funeral of King Edward VII in Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
The Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster, popularly known as Westminster Abbey, is a large, mainly Gothic church, in the City of Westminster, London, United Kingdom, located just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English,...
in 1910. From 1911 to 1915 he attended The King's School, Peterborough
The King's School, Peterborough
The King's School is a Voluntary Aided Church of England comprehensive secondary school in Peterborough, England. On the 1st January 2011, the School became an academy and changed its name from 'The King's School, Peterborough'...
. During this time he took lessons from his father and practised on the organ at Woodston every day before school, paying a boy a shilling each time for pumping the bellows. After a short period as organist of Thorney Abbey
Thorney Abbey
Thorney Abbey was on the island of Thorney in The Fens of Cambridgeshire, England.- History :The earliest documentary sources refer to a mid-7th century hermitage destroyed by a Viking incursion in the late 9th century. A Benedictine monastery was founded in the 970s, and a huge rebuilding...
he became articled to Haydn Keeton, organist of Peterborough Cathedral
Peterborough Cathedral
Peterborough Cathedral, properly the Cathedral Church of St Peter, St Paul and St Andrew – also known as Saint Peter's Cathedral in the United Kingdom – is the seat of the Bishop of Peterborough, dedicated to Saint Peter, Saint Paul and Saint Andrew, whose statues look down from the...
. His fellow apprentice was Malcolm Sargent
Malcolm Sargent
Sir Harold Malcolm Watts Sargent was an English conductor, organist and composer widely regarded as Britain's leading conductor of choral works...
, the future conductor, who became a lifelong friend. James Blades
James Blades
James "Jimmy" Blades OBE was an English percussionist.He was one of the most distinguished percussionists in Western music, with long and varied career. His book Percussion Instruments and their History is a standard reference work on the subject Blades was born in Peterborough, England in 1901...
, the future percussionist, was a chorister there at the time. Armstrong served as assistant organist in Peterborough for a year before being elected organ scholar
Organ scholar
An organ scholar is a young musician employed as a part-time assistant organist at an institution where regular choral services are held. The idea of an organ scholarship is to provide the holder with playing, directing and administrative experience....
of Keble College, Oxford
Keble College, Oxford
Keble College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in England. Its main buildings are on Parks Road, opposite the University Museum and the University Parks. The college is bordered to the north by Keble Road, to the south by Museum Road, and to the west by Blackhall...
in 1916.
His studies were interrupted by service in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
during World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
. After the war he completed his studies in Oxford
Oxford
The city of Oxford is the county town of Oxfordshire, England. The city, made prominent by its medieval university, has a population of just under 165,000, with 153,900 living within the district boundary. It lies about 50 miles north-west of London. The rivers Cherwell and Thames run through...
, studying music with Professor Sir Hugh Allen
Hugh Allen
Hugh Allen is the name of several prominent people.*Hugh Allen Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta from 1926 to 1935.*Hugh Allen English musician*Hugh Allen Meade former US Congressman....
and organ under Dr Henry Ley
Henry Ley
Henry George Ley MA DMus FRCO FRCM HonRAM was an English organist, composer and music teacher.Dr Ley was born in Chagford in Devon on 30 December 1887...
at Christ Church
Christ Church, Oxford
Christ Church or house of Christ, and thus sometimes known as The House), is one of the largest constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in England...
. After going down from Oxford in 1922 he briefly took up an appointment at Manchester Cathedral
Manchester Cathedral
Manchester Cathedral is a medieval church on Victoria Street in central Manchester and is the seat of the Bishop of Manchester. The cathedral's official name is The Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Mary, St Denys and St George in Manchester...
(assistant organist), during which time he worked with Sir Hamilton Harty
Hamilton Harty
Sir Hamilton Harty was an Irish and British composer, conductor, pianist and organist. In his capacity as a conductor, he was particularly noted as an interpreter of the music of Berlioz and he was much respected as a piano accompanist of exceptional prowess...
. The following year he was appointed organist of St. Peter's Church, Eaton Square
St. Peter's Church, Eaton Square
St. Peter's Church, Eaton Square London SW1 is a large Church of England church which stands at the east end of Eaton Square, Belgravia.The original building for St Peter's was designed in a classical style by the architect Henry Hakewill, and featured a six-columned Ionic portico and a clock...
, London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. During this period he studied at the Royal College of Music
Royal College of Music
The Royal College of Music is a conservatoire founded by Royal Charter in 1882, located in South Kensington, London, England.-Background:The first director was Sir George Grove and he was followed by Sir Hubert Parry...
with Holst
Gustav Holst
Gustav Theodore Holst was an English composer. He is most famous for his orchestral suite The Planets....
and Vaughan Williams
Ralph Vaughan Williams
Ralph Vaughan Williams OM was an English composer of symphonies, chamber music, opera, choral music, and film scores. He was also a collector of English folk music and song: this activity both influenced his editorial approach to the English Hymnal, beginning in 1904, in which he included many...
, the latter becoming a lifelong friend. During this time he played the piano in cinemas for silent films, thus developing his skills as an improviser. From 1928-1933 he was organist of Exeter Cathedral
Exeter Cathedral
Exeter Cathedral, the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter at Exeter, is an Anglican cathedral, and the seat of the Bishop of Exeter, in the city of Exeter, Devon in South West England....
. During this period he was Director of Music of University College of the South-West. In 1929 he was awarded the Oxford DMus. He returned to Oxford in 1933 as organist of Christ Church in succession to William Harris
William Harris
William or Will or Willie Harris may refer to:*William Harris , past president of Columbia University*William Harris , NFL player...
who had been appointed to St George’s Chapel, Windsor. Armstrong immersed himself in the musical life of the town, teaching, examining and conducting the Oxford Bach Choir
Oxford Bach Choir
The Oxford Bach Choir is one of the UK's best-known amateur choirs. It was founded by Basil Harwood in 1896 and is based in Oxford, England.There are around 200 voices in the choir...
and Orchestral Society. His career reached a highlight in 1955 when he was appointed Principal of the Royal Academy of Music
Royal Academy of Music
The Royal Academy of Music in London, England, is a conservatoire, Britain's oldest degree-granting music school and a constituent college of the University of London since 1999. The Academy was founded by Lord Burghersh in 1822 with the help and ideas of the French harpist and composer Nicolas...
, a post from which he retired in 1968.
His influence
Armstrong was held in the highest regard for his many musical skills. He was a born teacher and his influence is apparent in the book of tributes which was published after his death. He is remembered by generations as an inspiring conductor and skilled organist. Even when quite infirm in his old age he would accompany on the organ with great sensitivity and alertness. He was a widely sought-after adjudicator at music festivals, enjoying a thirty year association with the LlangollenLlangollen
Llangollen is a small town and community in Denbighshire, north-east Wales, situated on the River Dee and on the edge of the Berwyn mountains. It has a population of 3,412.-History:...
International Eisteddfod
International Eisteddfod
The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is a music festival which takes place every year during the second week of July in Llangollen, North Wales. Singers and dancers from around the world are invited to take part in over 20 high quality competitions followed each evening by concerts where...
, where he drove regularly to adjudicate until he was ninety. The success of the festival owed much to his dedication and leadership. He was a helpful and kind adjudicator whose observations were thoughtful and perceptive. He was a great champion of British music, but was also very eager to learn from foreign musicians whom he met on his travels abroad.
.
Compositions
Throughout his life Armstrong felt a strong urge to compose. Although his many activities left him little time for composing, he composed 25 anthemAnthem
The term anthem means either a specific form of Anglican church music , or more generally, a song of celebration, usually acting as a symbol for a distinct group of people, as in the term "national anthem" or "sports anthem".-Etymology:The word is derived from the Greek via Old English , a word...
s, carols
Christmas carol
A Christmas carol is a carol whose lyrics are on the theme of Christmas or the winter season in general and which are traditionally sung in the period before Christmas.-History:...
, services
Service (music)
In Anglican church music, a service is a musical setting of certain parts of the liturgy, generally for choir with or without organ accompaniment.-Morning Prayer:*Venite *Te Deum or Benedicite...
and a large number of songs, many of them remaining unpublished. The ambitious secular works composed for his doctorate remained unperformed until after his death, when they were recorded on a Chandos CD which brought together several of his best works. His musical roots lie with Parry
Hubert Parry
Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 1st Baronet was an English composer, teacher and historian of music.Parry's first major works appeared in 1880. As a composer he is best known for the choral song "Jerusalem", the coronation anthem "I was glad" and the hymn tune "Repton", which sets the words...
and Elgar
Edward Elgar
Sir Edward William Elgar, 1st Baronet OM, GCVO was an English composer, many of whose works have entered the British and international classical concert repertoire. Among his best-known compositions are orchestral works including the Enigma Variations, the Pomp and Circumstance Marches, concertos...
, and the music of Vaughan Williams
Ralph Vaughan Williams
Ralph Vaughan Williams OM was an English composer of symphonies, chamber music, opera, choral music, and film scores. He was also a collector of English folk music and song: this activity both influenced his editorial approach to the English Hymnal, beginning in 1904, in which he included many...
and Delius
Frederick Delius
Frederick Theodore Albert Delius, CH was an English composer. Born in the north of England to a prosperous mercantile family of German extraction, he resisted attempts to recruit him to commerce...
had a profound influence on his style. Two of Armstrong's compositions remain part of the musical fabric of the Church of England to this day. Firstly, the hymn tune 'Forest Green' sung at Christmas to the words "O little Town of Bethlehem" and the Te Deum Laudamus in F Major, originally written for Paston Grammar School in North Walsham, Norfolk, but now regarded as a leader in its genre for its innovative structure and compositional devices.
Honours
Armstrong was awarded many honours and served on several committees. He was Senior Adviser to the DeliusDelius
Delius is a surname. It may refer to:* Ernst von Delius - German racing car driver* Frederick Delius - English composer* Nicolaus Delius - German philologist* Tobias Delius Delius is a surname. It may refer to:* Ernst von Delius (1912–1937) - German racing car driver* Frederick Delius...
Trust, Chairman of the Royal Philharmonic Society
Royal Philharmonic Society
The Royal Philharmonic Society is a British music society, formed in 1813. It was originally formed in London to promote performances of instrumental music there. Many distinguished composers and performers have taken part in its concerts...
, a member of the Countess of Munster Trust, a member of the board of directors of the Royal Opera House
Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House is an opera house and major performing arts venue in Covent Garden, central London. The large building is often referred to as simply "Covent Garden", after a previous use of the site of the opera house's original construction in 1732. It is the home of The Royal Opera, The...
, a Governor of the Old Vic
Old Vic
The Old Vic is a theatre located just south-east of Waterloo Station in London on the corner of The Cut and Waterloo Road. Established in 1818 as the Royal Coburg Theatre, it was taken over by Emma Cons in 1880 when it was known formally as the Royal Victoria Hall. In 1898, a niece of Cons, Lilian...
-Sadler’s Wells
Sadler's Wells Theatre
Sadler's Wells Theatre is a performing arts venue located in Rosebery Avenue, Clerkenwell in the London Borough of Islington. The present day theatre is the sixth on the site since 1683. It consists of two performance spaces: a 1,500 seat main auditorium and the Lilian Baylis Studio, with extensive...
Foundation, Chairman of the Governors of the Central Tutorial School for Young Musicians (founded in 1962), now renamed the Purcell School
Purcell School
The Purcell School is a specialist music school for children, located in the town of Bushey, south Hertfordshire, England, and is the oldest specialist music school in the UK. The school was awarded the UNESCO Mozart Medal in 2003, which was received on behalf of the school by Prince Charles, who...
. He was Chairman of the Musicians Benevolent Fund, and in 1981 was elected an Honorary Student of Christ Church, Oxford (this was the equivalent of a “Fellow” in other colleges). He was made Honorary DMus of Edinburgh University. He was knighted in 1958.
Private life
In 1926 Armstrong married Hester Draper, daughter of the Rev. W. H. Draper who was Master of the Temple. They were married for 52 years and had three children, one of whom followed a political career, becoming Lord Armstrong of IlminsterRobert Armstrong, Baron Armstrong of Ilminster
Robert Temple Armstrong, Baron Armstrong of Ilminster GCB, CVO , son of the musician Sir Thomas Armstrong, is a British life peer and former civil servant.-Life:...
. Wherever they went Thomas and Hester always took a sincere interest in the well-being of staff and students, and in return they were held in great respect. When he retired in 1968 they were persuaded by the violin
Violin
The violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
teacher Rosemary Rapaport
Rosemary Rapaport
Rosemary Rapaport was a violinist and music teacher who founded the Purcell School for musically gifted children.-Early years:...
to come and live in the picturesque village of Newton Blossomville
Newton Blossomville
Newton Blossomville is a village in the Borough of Milton Keynes and ceremonial county of Buckinghamshire, England. It is a civil parish, sharing a joint parish council with Clifton Reynes...
in Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan home county in South East England. The county town is Aylesbury, the largest town in the ceremonial county is Milton Keynes and largest town in the non-metropolitan county is High Wycombe....
, close to the Bedfordshire
Bedfordshire
Bedfordshire is a ceremonial county of historic origin in England that forms part of the East of England region.It borders Cambridgeshire to the north-east, Northamptonshire to the north, Buckinghamshire to the west and Hertfordshire to the south-east....
border. Here he was happy to become part of village life, transforming the humble village choir which won several prizes at local music festivals. After the death of his wife, he followed Rosemary Rapaport to Olney, just a few miles away, where they shared a cottage. Even there he was delighted to play for Mass
Mass
Mass can be defined as a quantitive measure of the resistance an object has to change in its velocity.In physics, mass commonly refers to any of the following three properties of matter, which have been shown experimentally to be equivalent:...
at the local Roman Catholic church until he became too frail. Both as a musician and as a friend he had the power to enrich the lives of all who were associated with him.