Welford Russell

Welford Russell (30 October 1900 – 1975) was a Canadian composer based in Toronto, Ontario.[1] He is particularly remembered for his output of choral works.[2][3]

Early life and education

Russell was born in Neepawa, Manitoba. He graduated from the University of Toronto in 1925.[4] He studied the organ in Ireland and pursued studies in music composition with Godfrey Ridout and singing with Weldon Kilburn at the Toronto Conservatory of Music.

Career

Russell worked as a surgeon and was a medical missionary in India from 1925 to 1941.[5][6] He left during World War II to serve in a medical corps.[7]

He pursued musical activities in his spare time. He published a Stabat mater and eight individual choral pieces, of which his part-song Who Is at My Window Who? has been widely performed.[8][9] The song was also recorded by the Festival Singers of Canada.[10] He also produced a number of anthems and motets which remain unpublished. He wrote a number of art songs, two of which, The Conqueror and Farewell to Arms, were premiered by bass David Mills.[11] Lois Marshall recorded several of his songs for CBC/Radio Canada in 1969 (RCI 333/SM 101).[12][13]

After his death in 1975, his papers were collected at the National Archives in Ottawa.[14]

References
  1. Stereo Review. Vol. 28. CBS Magazines; 1972. p. 42.
  2. James Neufeld. Lois Marshall: A Biography. Dundurn; 5 April 2010. ISBN 978-1-4597-0460-2. p. 232.
  3. American record guide. Vol. 35, Issue 2. 1969. p. 784.
  4. University of Toronto Monthly. Vol. 27-28. 1926. p. 95.
  5. Jairazbhoy, Nazir. "Indian Music in Canada". The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  6. Quarterly Paper – Edinburgh Medical Missionary Society. Vol. 20-21. Edinburgh Medical Missionary Society.; 1941. p. 147.
  7. Grace Lane. Brief halt at mile "50": a half century of church union. United Church Pub. House; 1974. p. 49.
  8. Records in Review. Wyeth Press; 1970. p. 478.
  9. The American Organist. Vol. 20, Issues 7-12. American Guild of Organists; 1986. p. 25.
  10. Mills, Isabelle. "Choral Music". The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  11. Brandhagen, William L. "David Mills". The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  12. MusiCanada. Vol. 45-55. Canadian Music Council; 1981.
  13. Saturday Night. Vol. 87. New Leaf Publications; 1972.
  14. "Welford Russell fonds.". Music Archives at the National Archives of Canada.
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