Composer. Born into a prominent York family, his father was a lawyer and Lord Mayor of the town in 1844. Originally studying law at St. Peter's School, he turned to music as an undergraduate at Trinity College. He was director of music at Wellington College for ten years before returning to Cambridge in 1893 . He became both the organist at Trinity College and conductor of the Cambridge University Musical Society, remaining in that position until 1930. He also served as an editor for the Purcell Society. "The Shropshire Songbook" was a collection of arrangements for folk songs adopted by Gray and Nicholas Gatty. It was published in 1922. He was also a composer, many had a liturgical theme and several were published in the Church of England's "Book of Common Prayer" and are still in use today. His works include cantatas, chamber and organ music. The lost of two of his sons (Maurice and Edward) during the First World War, inspired his most well known piece, "What are these that glow from afar?" His "The Magnificat and Nunc dimittis" were recorded by the Westminster Abbey Choir. The songs, "Peace," "The Dead," and "The Soldier" were recorded by Truro Cathedral Choir. His obituary cites him as a magnificent organist and skillful improviser. His marriage to Maude Vickers also produced a son Basil, who survived the war. He is credited with over twenty musical compositions.
Composer. Born into a prominent York family, his father was a lawyer and Lord Mayor of the town in 1844. Originally studying law at St. Peter's School, he turned to music as an undergraduate at Trinity College. He was director of music at Wellington College for ten years before returning to Cambridge in 1893 . He became both the organist at Trinity College and conductor of the Cambridge University Musical Society, remaining in that position until 1930. He also served as an editor for the Purcell Society. "The Shropshire Songbook" was a collection of arrangements for folk songs adopted by Gray and Nicholas Gatty. It was published in 1922. He was also a composer, many had a liturgical theme and several were published in the Church of England's "Book of Common Prayer" and are still in use today. His works include cantatas, chamber and organ music. The lost of two of his sons (Maurice and Edward) during the First World War, inspired his most well known piece, "What are these that glow from afar?" His "The Magnificat and Nunc dimittis" were recorded by the Westminster Abbey Choir. The songs, "Peace," "The Dead," and "The Soldier" were recorded by Truro Cathedral Choir. His obituary cites him as a magnificent organist and skillful improviser. His marriage to Maude Vickers also produced a son Basil, who survived the war. He is credited with over twenty musical compositions.
Bio by: Winter Birds PA
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