Philip Marshall
| Dr Philip Marshall | |
|---|---|
| Years at BGS | 1952?-1957 |
| Departments | Music |
| Subjects | Music |
| Known for | Conductor of the school orchestra |
Philip Marshall was a teacher of music at Boston Grammar School from at least 1952 to 1957.
After leaving BGS he went on to be organist at Ripon Cathedral.
Obituary
from The Guardian (21 October 2005)
The organist, composer, conductor, teacher and adjudicator Philip Marshall, who has died aged 84, enriched music far beyond the provincial organ loft. Born at Brighouse in the west riding of Yorkshire, his formative years were spent in Alford, Lincolnshire. After wartime service in the Royal Army Service Corps, in 1946 his prodigious musical gifts were recognised with his election by examination as a fellow of the Royal College of Organists. That same year, he was appointed music master at Keighley boys' grammar school, and became organist at All Souls church, Haley Hill, Halifax.
There he met Margaret Bradbury, whom he married in 1951, the year he moved to Boston, Lincolnshire, and took an external degree from Durham University. As organist of St Botolph's church and school music master, Dr Marshall - as he became in 1955 - played a pivotal role within the community's musical life. This continued with his move to Ripon Cathedral, where he created the cathedral choir school in 1960. In 1966, he moved to Lincoln Cathedral, where for 20 years he enhanced cultural standards, both near and far. In addition to his ecclesiastical duties, he taught in the cathedral school, lectured for the Workers' Educational Association, conducted Lincoln Music Society and, in 1982, established a three choirs festival.
Marshall rejoiced in British 19th and early 20th century organ music. His love of colour could be heard in his improvisatory gifts as well as in his subtle skills as an accompanist. As a choral technician he was always demanding and, although sparing in praise, obtained the highest standards.
As a composer, his feel for the liturgy allowed him to write well for voices. On a larger canvas, his many full-blooded liturgical pieces were more than matched by lyrical and popular instrumental creations, including a distinctive Concerto for Piano and Orchestra.
Marshall retired in 1986 and spent more time on interests ranging from cats and calligraphy to all things mechanical, especially steam railways. With an abiding love of traditional Anglican rites, this most modest of men was one of the last guardians of a great English tradition.
External links
- Philip Marshall on Wikipedia
- Obituary] - The Guardian