Sir Henry Wood

Henry J. Wood (Conductor, Arranger)

• Born: March 3, 1869 - London, England
• Died: August 19, 1944 - Hitchin, Hetrfordshire, England

Sir Henry J(oseph) Wood, was born in London. His father was a qualified optician, but had become well-known as a craftsman and model maker, running a highly successful model engine shop in Oxford Street. Both parents were keen amateur musicians: his father sang in church choirs and played the cello and his mother sang songs from her native Wales. He was taught to play the piano by his mother, and participated in family musicales from the age of 6.

At the age of 14, he played the organ at the 'Musicians' Church' St Sepulchre-without-Newgate, the largest parish church in the City of London, where his ashes now rest. He also gave organ recitals at the Fisheries Exhibition (1883) and at the Inventions Exhibition (1885).

He also learned the violin, but it was not until he entered the Royal Academy of Music at the age of 16 (1886) that he received methodical tuition. During his two years at the RAM he took classes in piano, organ, composition and singing.

His teachers included Ebenezer Prout (composition), Manuel Garcia (singing), Steggall and Macfarren. He won 4 medals.

Souirces and References

• http://www.bach-cantatas.com/Bio/Wood-Henry.htm
• http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/music/henry-wood-is-the-man-who-...