Elizabeth Marion Accompanying

Gerald Moore

The discussion of accompanying is incomplete without the inclusion of the work of Gerald Moore. He is best known for his large contribution to the arts for his piano performance in the area of accompaniment. His entire career spans over 50 years with contributions to solo performing and accompanying. Gerald Moore was one of the most in demand accompanists of his time. Born in Watford, England, on July 30, 1899 Moore began lessons at the age of six. His first accompanying position was around the age of sixteen. He toured locally with a cellist and a tenor. In 1919 after working with various teachers he returned to England to study music. He then in 1925 began accompanying the tenor John Coates, the man with whom he contributes his success in accompanying. Moore stated that Coates attention to detail was often times overwhelming but was an integral part in his learning. In his autobiography Am I Too Loud, Moore wrote about his experiences with Coates. He would listen carefully and critically to every note in my part. Coates critique was of particular importance as Moore went on to work a great deal with vocalists during his career. As one of the most in demand accompanists of his time, Moore was often called upon to teach courses and master classes at various institutions. One of his first lectures was by invitation from Myra Hess to lecture at the National Gallery. His

teaching and lecturing took him around the world gaining him even more recognition. Some of his lectures were featured on television as well. His successful career also consisted of recording. During the span of his career Moore recorded most of Hugo Wolfs lieder and over 500 Schumann songs. Moore should also be remembered as a pioneer for musicians rights, piano players in particular. He was often very outspoken about the role of an accompanist as more than a lowly background position. During a time when piano players names were not recognized on recordings he demanded that in any work he recorded that his name be on the label of the recording. Moore was known for being able to set the mood for the music being performed very early on in the performance. One of his many other strengths was the ability to make the accompaniment an equal part of the performance. Moores perfect pitch allowed him to play by ear with much ease. I addition to his extensive recording experience, he also wrote multiple books including the autobiographies Farewell Recital: Further Memoirs (1978) and Furthermoore (1983). The memoir Am I Too Loud?: Memoirs of An Accompanist was another one of his works. Other titles include Singer and Accompanist and The Unashamed Accompanist. Moore received many awards and accolades during and after his career including the Grand Prix du Disque, the Hugo Wolf Medal in Vienna. He was also appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1954. Moore was also appointed honorary doctorate degrees from Sussex and Cambridge

universities. In 1987 on March 13th at the age of 87 Moore passed away in Buckinghamshire, England.

References

1) New York Times, By Tim Page, March 17, 1987 2) The Musical Times By Joan Chissell, Vol. 128, No. 1731 (May, 1987), p. 287 3) http://www.naxos.com/person/Gerald_Moore_41770/41770.htm 4) http://wf2dnvr2.webfeat.org:80/