Calvin Hampton

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(George) Calvin Hampton (December 31, 1938–August 5, 1984) was a leading American organist and sacred music composer.

He was born in Kittanning, Pennsylvania, a graduate of Oberlin Conservatory (1960) and Syracuse University (1963). He served as Organist and Choirmaster of Calvary Episcopal Church, Gramercy Park, New York City, from September 1963 to June, 1983. His “Fridays at Midnight” organ recital series, running from 1974 to 1983, was one of the most famous and popular organ recital series in American history.

Hampton was also a respected composer for the church and for the concert stage. His settings of the Episcopal liturgy are also in use in Catholic churches,and his choral works are milestones of innovative, challenging sacred music. He was also a noted transcriber of music from other sources for the organ. His organ transcriptions of the Modeste Mussorgsky “Pictures at an Exhibition” and the César Franck “Symphony in D Minor” are noteworthy.

Hampton’s views on the proper design and function of the organ, particularly in the orchestral context, were controversial in their time because they conflicted with the reigning neo-Baroque opinions then current.

Towards the end of his life, Hampton gave up church work and concentrated on composition and organ consulting. Several important classical instruments in the US bear the stamp of his distinctive ideas.

Weakened with AIDS, Hampton remained active till the final few weeks of his life, composing the massive Alexander Variations for two pipe organs while almost completely bedridden. He died near his parents’ home in Port Charlotte, Florida.

Calvin Hampton’s talent, personality, intelligence, creativity, and uniquely personal faith all contributed to his enduring and provocative legacy.

[edit] Sources

  • Calvin Hampton archive, courtesy Calvin Hampton Estate
  • The Stained-Glass Zimbelstern, doctoral dissertation, Indiana University, 2001, by Jonathan B. Hall.
  • Research from primary sources and extensive interviews by Jonathan B. Hall, 1999-2005.
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