- Parratt, Sir Walter, Kt.
[E] Parratt, Sir Walter, Kt., organist and
composer, born at Huddersfield, February 10,
1841. Studied under his father (noticed
below), and when seven took a service at
Armitage Bridge, near Huddersfield, succeed-
ing his elder brother as organist there in 1852.
Two j'ears later he was appointed to St. Paul's,
Huddersfield; in 1861 to Witley Court, as
organist to Lord Dudley ; Parish Church,
Wigan, 1868 ; Magdalen College, Oxford, 1872 ;
and in 1882 succeeded Sir George Elvey at
St. George's Chapel, Windsor. Graduated
Mus. Bac , Oxford, 1873. Appointed professor
of the organ at R.C.M., 1883; in 1892 received
the honour of Knighthood ; and in 1893 was
appointed Master of the Music in Ordinary to
the Queen. He is a remarkable performer on
the organ, and has given recitals in many
places, and also lectured and written on the
organ and kindred topics. Contributor to
Grove's Dictionary. He has composed music
"Agamemnon," Oxford, 1880; set the Elegy
to Patroclus, in the " Tale of Troy," London,
1883; Music to " Story of Orestes," London,
18S6. Anthems, songs, organ and pf. pieces.
Also a March for the Royal Wedding at
Windsor, July 6, 1891.[+] His father, Thomas Parhatt, born January
30, 1793, was an articled pupil of Brailsford,
the then organist of Doncaster Parish Church.
In 1812 Gray built a new organ in Huddersfield
Parish Church, and Parratt was appointed
organist. His first service was plaj'ed on
Christmas Day, 1812, and he never missed
playing on the anniversary of that day till his
death, March 27, 1862. " He was the first
organist and resident professor in Hudders-
field ; a fine player of the old school, and
celebrated for his accompaniments.[+] The elder son, Henry L. Parratt, trained
by his father, was organist first at Armitage
Bridge Church; in 1852, of St. Paul's,
Huddersfield ; then, after some time spent in
London, succeeded his father at Huddersfield
Parish Church in 1862. For 85 Christmas
Days in succession father and son have pre-
sided at the organ.entry id: 309-R-40
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