Norman Cocker
Norman Cocker (30 November 1889 — 15 November 1953[1]) was a British organist, choir master and composer of church music, educational and light music.[2]
Cocker was born in
In the First World War Cocker served with the 16th Lancashire Fusiliers.[5] He also learned to play every instrument of the orchestra during the war years.[4]
He was appointed Assistant Organist at Manchester Cathedral in 1920 under Archibald W. Wilson, becoming Organist and choral master there in 1943,[6] and later held appointments in various churches and cinemas in the city, including Organist at the Gaumont Cinema in Oxford Street (demolished in 1990).[7]
Norman Cocker is today remembered mainly for his organ compositions, particularly Tuba Tune (1922), still often performed today and recorded many times.[8] There is also a modern edition of four short organ pieces: Angelus, Trio, Interlude and Paean.[9] Other works include choral anthems and hymns, and also several symphonies especially written for school orchestras, including the orchestra at Chetham's School.[10][11] Keith Swallow and John Wilson have recorded his Eight Piano Duets, Op. 5 (1913-15).[5]
Cocker was also an amateur magician and a good cook.[10]
References
- ISBN 978-1441137968.
- ^ Norman Cocker- Bio, Albums, Pictures – Naxos Classical Music.
- ^ Census for England and Wales, 1889 and 1911
- ^ a b 'Mr Norman Cocker', in The Times, 1 December 1953, p. 10
- ^ a b Points North: Piano Duets, Campion Cameo CD 2036 (2006), reviewed at MusicWeb International
- ^ Norman Cocker - Manchester Cathedral
- ^ Philip L. Scowcroft. A Forty Ninth Garland of Light Music Composers
- ^ for instance, Stanford and his Contemporaries, British organ music played by Jennifer Bate, ASV QS 6222 (2000)
- ^ Four Pieces for Organ, Stainer & Bell
- ^ a b Obituary, The Manchester Guardian, 16 November 1953, p. 2
- ^ Penny Williams. Chetham's: Old and New in Harmony (1986), p. 78