Continuing in Canada this week with music of Anglo-Canadian Organist and Composer Healey Willan, born in London in 1880 and migrating to Toronto in 1913, and who was prolific with over 800 compositions to his credit.
Primarily known for his religious music, Willan was alsoone of the first Canadian composers to work on large-scale pieces and was responsible for several operas. He was also one of the first Canadian composers to make a successful living as a composer; something which became an inspiration for a number of aspiring Canadian composition students.
This weekend it’s his seldom-performed chamber music. His Sonata in E Minor for Violin and Piano, in this circa 1956 CBC Radio session with Albert Pratz, violin and Leo Barkin, piano.
A name which may not ring any bells to some, but an important addition to Musical life in Canada from 1913 to his death in 1968.
