Colin Ross (composer)

Colin Archibald Campbell Ross (1911-1993) FRCO was a Welsh organist, composer, and musician.

Biography

Ross was born in Brecon in 1911. He took up the post of deputy organist at Hereford Cathedral from 1935 until 1940. He was the first person to hold such a role.^[1] Then he was Organist and Director of the Choir at St Barnabas', Tunbridge Wells. It was while at Hereford that Ross met and married his wife, in 1939, according to amateur research by 'The Artful Dodger'.^[2] Then, from 1947–1951, Ross was the organist at St. Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne, Australia. This appointment was on the recommendation of Sir William McKie, who was organist at Westminster Abbey. After three years, he handed in his resignation, and returned to the UK to take up the post of Organist and Choirmaster at St. Nicholas Cathedral, Newcastle upon Tyne, for over a decade from 1955-1966.^[3] He died in 1993.

Selected Compositions

• Ostinato, Op. 15 (1937)^[4]

• "Gently the Breeze Blows" (1977), with words by Madeline Chase, for two voices with piano accompaniment

For solo voice with piano accompaniment:

• "Song of the Bells", with words by Katherine Wamen.^[5]
• "Into my heart" (1934), with words by A. E. Housman.^[6]
• "From far, from eve" (1934), with words by A. E. Housman.^[7]
• "Lorna's Song" (1937), with words by R. D. Blackmore
• "The Cherry Hung with Snow", with words by A. E. Housman. (Published sheet music is dated 1963, but Melbourne University Library lists 'The Cherry' by Colin Ross from 1934.)
• "Ode" (1985), with words translated by Soame Jenyns from Chinese.

• The Invaders, for unison choir (1934)

• Ave Maria,^[8] for SSAA choir

• Improvisation on the Chorale 'Ich ruf zu dir' (I call to Thee) for organ^[9][10]
• Miniature suite for treble recorder, flute, or oboe & piano (1986)

• Prelude for Piano (1986)

References