Donald Whitton
Donald Whitton | |
---|---|
Violoncello, Viola da Gamba | |
Years active | 1941–2018 |
Donald Richard "Don" Whitton (August 2, 1923 – April 26, 2018) was a Canadian concert cellist, recording musician, and teacher, with a professional career in music spanning over 50 years.
Biography
Whitton was born in London, Ontario, Canada in August 1923. From a young age, he showed an aptitude for music, studying piano and cello. He continued to study until World War II was declared. Like many other young Canadians, he enlisted, joining the 4th Royal Canadian Field Artillery Regiment (4RCA). Stationed in England until shortly after the D-Day invasion, Whitton and his unit joined the extremely heavy fighting during the Caen/Falaise battles in Normandy. As part of the 2nd Infantry Division, 2nd Canadian Corps, 4RCA suffered heavy casualties in the terrible battles of Normandy, Belgium, the Netherlands (Woensdrecht), and the Rhineland (Hochwald). In addition, it was the target of the first-ever bombing attack by a jet plane (an Me 262). With 4RCA, Whitton operated in the dangerous role of forwarding observation signaler, which placed him on the front line with the infantry. Casualty rates among artillery observation teams were very high, but he survived the long odds to see VE day. With the fighting over in Europe, he decided to answer an audition call for forces musicians. Playing on a borrowed instrument, he was successful, even though he'd been unable to practice since the start of the war. He was transferred to an entertainment unit in England where he spent the next year as a cellist with a forces orchestra. On his return home, he decided to take a music degree from the University of Toronto.
Cornelius Ysselstyn, a famed Canadian cellist at the time, accepted Donald as a student.[1] Donald once again showed great promise. He went on in the next five years to study with many great cellists, including the genius cellist-editor Leonard Rose.
Whitton auditioned for the
A CBC reviewer of the performing arts wrote about Whitton:
Solo cello, Don Whitton, captured the tone, nuance and expressive beauty of the Andante’s opening theme with skill and artistry that solidifies his prime years leading the cellos of the National Arts Centre Orchestra.[6]
- James Wegg
Lighthouse
From 1968 to October 1970,
Because of the high calibre of a lot of our people and their great demand, there was a tendency to have personnel changes. Our original cellist, Don Whitton, is now principal cellist with the National Arts Orchestra, and Freddy Stone, one of the trumpeters on our first album, is now playing lead trumpet with Duke Ellington. So it's kind of sad when you lose great musicians like them, but you move on.[8]
Playing style
Whitton was known for his diversity of styles of playing. He could easily switch from classical to baroque, and many other styles, even including rock and jazz. He was an excellent ripieno musician, but also had the skill of a virtuoso for solo performances. He led his section with direction, and was a strong leader. He is particularly noted for the magnificence of his large, rich, and beautiful tone quality.[6]
Recording and radio
Recording
Whitton frequented the recording studio with various artists, both classical, and non-classical.
He compiled 7 jazz recordings between 1967 and 1969,
Radio
During Donald's tenure in both of his major orchestras; the National Arts Centre Orchestra, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, he was being broadcast nationwide on a regular basis. Also while he was a member of the CBC Radio Orchestra, he would perform on radio weekly. He would also occasionally perform for a radio jingle.
See also
- National Arts Center Orchestra
- CBC Radio Orchestra
- Toronto Symphony Orchestra
- Leonard Rose
- Lighthouse
References
- Encyclopedia of Music in Canada. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
- ^ a b "MusicSack / Music Sack". Musicsack.com. Retrieved 2013-10-22.
- ^ "Jan Järvlepp, Composer". Janjarvlepp.com. Retrieved 2013-10-22.
- ^ [1] Archived February 8, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ DONALD RICHARD WHITTON Obituary
- ^ a b "The Organizations on JWR: Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra - reviews, articles, calendar of events". Jamesweggreview.org. Retrieved 2013-10-22.
- ^ [2] Archived December 31, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Lighthouse - Paul Hoffert Interview". Mjq.net. 1970-11-11. Retrieved 2013-10-22.
- ^ "The JAZZ Discography - by Tom Lord". Lordisco.com. Retrieved 2013-10-22.