David Willcocks: A Life in Music

I recently had the opportunity to read William Owen's new book, A Life in Music: Conversations with Sir David Willcocks and Friends (OUP, 2008).  Owen has compiled a series of extended interviews with the British choral icon Sir David Willcocks, as well as numerous interviews with friends and acquaintances; their recollections resonate in an interesting counterpoint with Willcock's review of his long and storied life.  This is a great read - one quickly gains a portrait of this highly influential choral musician, from his beginnings as a treble chorister at Westminster Abbey, his further education at Clifton College and King's College, Cambridge, his sojourn in the British army during WWII, and then return to King's as Director of Music, via several cathedral posts in the post-war period.  Most riveting in this account for me was Willcock's recall of his war service, including his involvement in the Normandy invasion in 1944, and his pivotal role in the defense of a strategic position near Fontaine Ḗtoupefour, France ("Hill 112").  Of further interest to choral conductors is his detailed recollection of his involvements in several choral festivals (Salisbury, and the Three Choirs Festivals, e.g.), and especially his role in premiering numerous major works by Howells and Vaughan Williams, among others.  In later chapters we read of his musical direction of the London Bach Choir for nearly four decades, and his leadership of the Royal College of Music for 10 years (1974-84).  Throughout these personal accounts, which are supported by those of his family, friends and professional colleagues, a portrait is presented of a gifted musician and leader who had the innate ability to inspire thousands of vocal and instrumental musicians throughout a professional life that has spanned nearly 7 decades.  Willcocks recently turned 90, and Owen's book is a timely issue in celebration of one of the world's leading choral figures in the past and current centuries.