GERRE HANCOCK Biography

Gerre Hancock, one of America’s most highly acclaimed concert organists and

choral directors, is Professor of Organ and Sacred Music at The University of Texas at

Austin, where he and Dr. Judith Hancock are directing the Organ Performance and

Sacred Music Center programs; they teach organ and are developing a curriculum for the study of Sacred Music. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Hancock held the position of

Organist and Master of Choristers at Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue in New York

City where, for more than thirty years, he set a new standard for church music in

America. Previous to his time at Saint Thomas Church, he held positions as Organist and

Choirmaster of Christ Church Cathedral in Cincinnati, where he also served on the Artist

Faculty of the College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati, and as Assistant

Organist at St. Bartholomew’s Church, New York City.

Dr. Hancock received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Texas and his Master of Sacred Music degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York from which he received the Unitas Distinguished Alumnus Award. A recipient of a

Rotary Foundation Fellowship, he also studied in Paris and during this time was a finalist at the Munich International Music Competitions. His organ study has been with E.

William Doty, Robert Baker, Jean Langlais and Marie-Claire Alain.

A Fellow of the American Guild of Organists, Gerre Hancock has been a member of its National Council and is a founder and past president of the Association of Anglican

Musicians. He has served on the faculty of The Juilliard School in New York City and taught improvisation on a visiting basis at the Institute of Sacred Music, Yale University in New Haven, CT, and The Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. In 1981 he was appointed a Fellow of the Royal School of Church Music and in 1995 was appointed a Gerre Hancock Biography, Page 2

Fellow of the Royal College of Organists. Gerre Hancock has received honorary Doctor

of Music degrees from the Nashotah House Seminary, and The University of the South at

Sewanee, Tennessee. In May 2004 he was awarded the Doctor of Divinity degree

(Honoris causa) from The General Theological Seminary in New York. He is listed in

“Who’s Who in America,” and his biography appears in The New Grove Dictionary of

Music and Musicians, 2nd edition. In 2004 he was honored in a ceremony at Lambeth

Palace in London where he was presented the Medal of the Cross of St. Augustine by the

Archbishop of Canterbury.

Dr. Hancock’s consummate skill is clearly apparent in his concert appearances.

Possessing a masterly interpretive ability, he is an artist of taste, warmth, perception and

style. A featured recitalist and lecturer at numerous regional conventions of the American

Guild of Organists and at their national conventions in Philadelphia, Cleveland, Boston,

Washington DC, Detroit, Houston and New York City, he also represented the AGO as

recitalist at the Centenary Anniversary of the Royal College of Organists in London.

Considered the finest organ improviser in America, Dr. Hancock has been heard in recital in many cities throughout the United States, Europe, South Africa, and Japan. On

occasion he performs in duo recitals with his wife, Judith Hancock.

Compositions by Dr. Hancock are published by Oxford University Press. His

compositions for organ and chorus are widely performed and his textbook, Improvising:

How to Master the Art, is used by musicians throughout the country. He has recorded for

Gothic Records, Decca/Argo, Koch International and Priory Records, both as a conductor

of The St. Thomas Choir and as a soloist.

Current as of June 2008

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GERRE HANCOCK Press Notices

WASHINGTON DC “With his extraordinary genius in this art and the resources of the cathedral organ, Hancock poured out one of the most thrilling moments heard on any organ recital, with a peroration of indescribable brilliance.” The American Organist

“… a triumph of creativity … dazzling.” The Washington Post

CHICAGO “HANCOCK IMPROVISES WITH MASTERY” ... “He is an organist in the grand tradition ...” Chicago Sun-Times

CLEVELAND “ORGANIST’S PERFORMANCE BRINGS THE AUDIENCE TO ITS FEET” The Plain Dealer

SALT LAKE CITY “This New York-based musician thoroughly entertained, amused and amazed a full house of concertgoers.” The Salt Lake Tribune

CALGARY “… a splendid feat of musical imagination …” The Calgary Herald

BUFFALO “A formidable virtuoso with a breadth of artistic equipment.” Buffalo Evening News

ATLANTA “One of the great masters of improvisation ...” The Atlanta Constitution

HOUSTON “CLASSICAL ORGANIST EXCELS ON A HEROIC SCALE” ... “Hancock then gave a virtuoso account of his inventive talents, improvising a lengthy four movement organ sonata on six themes..." Houston Post

MIAMI “Mr. Hancock is a bold and daring organist who has a fantastic facility with the pedals and an exceptionally strong technique. He likes to perform works full of color and exuberance, and has a flair for getting brilliant effects.” Miami Herald

ANN ARBOR “The program concluded with one of Hancock’s famous, indescribably athletic improvisations, which rightly brought the audience to its feet in an unsubduable outpouring of almost incredulous admiration." The American Organist

Gerre Hancock Press Notices, Page 2

NASHVILLE “It was a magnificent recital from every standpoint ... truly stupendous technique that left the listener breathless.” Nashville Banner

JACKSONVILLE (IL) “HANCOCK PERFORMANCE SUPERB” Jacksonville Journal Courier

LONG BEACH “Not only the organists, but every member of Tuesday’s audience, came away the richer for having heard Gerre Hancock. He is a sophisticated musician, an unerring technician, and a virtuoso in the best sense of that tired word.” Press Telegram

WORCESTER “Radiating tremendous energy and enthusiasm for the music ... Hancock showed a rare ability to combine control with a spirited sense of showmanship and flair. An obviously enthralled audience ... rose to their feet to give a richly deserved standing ovation.” Worcester Telegram

NORFOLK “If the details of the four movements [improvised symphony] were individually interesting, it was the pacing and proportions of the whole work that made it so thrilling. All elements were in balance, and manipulated to build to the final moments.” The Virginia Pilot

AUSTIN “The most impressive work in terms of startling musical bulk was Reger’s Fantasy and Fugue on BACH, Opus 46. Hancock gave an extraordinarily intelligent and exciting performance of the piece, proving his ability to slip inside the skin of an often misunderstood composer and burst out of it again to serve the music with his own balanced originality.” Austin-American Statesman

LAWRENCE “Mr. Hancock is an honest virtuoso; he genuinely enjoys playing the organ. A spectacular technique allows him to give sensitive, heartfelt readings ... The whole program was so dazzling that the only appropriate response seemed to be ‘wow!’” The American Organist

LONDON, ENGLAND “At Westminster Cathedral, Gerre Hancock showed himself to be an organ colorist in the great tradition of Lynwood Farnum.” The London Times

EDMONTON, ALBERTA “Displaying virtuosic technique and uncanny musicianship he turned the comparatively new mechanical organ inside out in his delineation of diverse pieces. In so doing he explored the instrument's every possible tonal facility.” Edmonton Journal

Gerre Hancock Press Notices, Page 3

RECORDING REVIEWS

Great Organs of New York (B&V Recordings) “... Gerre Hancock in one of his now almost legendary improvisations ...” The American Organist

On a Sunday Afternoon, Volume 2 (JAV Recordings) “Hancock is brilliantly successful.” The Organists’ Review

“A symphonic improvisation of nearly 29 minutes occupies the second half of this splendid program. It is wonderful playing, and we are fortunate to have it available to hear again and again.” The Diapason

Fanfare (Gothic Records) “... a legend among organ recitalists and a titan among improvisers.” American Record Guide

Christmas Improvisations (Gothic Records)

“… musical through and through …” American Record Guide

“Hancock takes some pages from his book on improvisation and lives up to the best possibilities of this ephemeral art by providing inspiring and exciting listening for any month or season.” The American Organist

“… Dr. Hancock’s powerful imagination and sense of form … his playing and musicianship are on the highest level.” The Organists’ Review

“Certainly when one thinks of the great organ improvisers of our day, one’s thoughts must turn to Gerre Hancock … The present recording provides us with sterling examples from a true master of the art of improvisation. Highly recommended.” The Diapason

Karen McFarlane Artists, Inc. 33563 Seneca Drive • Cleveland, OH 44139 TOLL FREE (866) 721-9095 • FAX (440) 542-1890 • www.concertorganists.com GERRE HANCOCK Discography

ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON, VOL. 2: Live Organ Concerts at Washington National Cathedral, 2003 JAV Recordings Includes: improvisation on the Hymne Victimae Paschali Laudes - J.S. Bach, six Schübler Chorales - Sowerby, Canon, Chacony and Fugue - Improvised Symphony on Submitted Themes.

CHRISTMAS IMPROVISATIONS – Gothic Records Includes: Personet hodie, Angels we have heard on high, I saw three ships, Go, tell it on the mountain and others.

Using the new organ in the gallery of St. Thomas Church, Dr. Hancock takes eight familiar Christmas melodies improvising on each to provide a new sound to the traditional melodies.

FANFARE – Gothic Records Improvisation - Fanfare; Fantasie in G Major, S. 572, J. S. Bach - Hymne de'Orgue: "Veni Creator" (Veni Creator, en taille à 5, Fugue à 5, Duo, Recit de Cromorne, Dialogue sur les Grands Jeux), Nicolas de Grigny – Improvisation; Hymn Tune "St. Clement;" - Improvisation in Free Form – Improvisation; Hymn Tune "St. Denio" - Fantasie and Fugue on the name of B-A-C-H, Op. 46, Max Reger.

IMPROVISATION II on Ten Hymn Tunes Includes: A mighty fortress is our God, Were you there when they crucified my Lord?, What child is this? and others.

This critically acclaimed recording was made using the Chancel Organ of St. Thomas Church. Available on LP only. (Special quantity rates also apply.) When ordering this recording only, please make check payable to Gerre Hancock.

FROM THE SAINT THOMAS CHOIR DISCOGRAPHY

A CAPPELLA II FROM SAINT THOMAS CHURCH Koch International Digital Recording The Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys, Judith Hancock, organist. Works of Sowerby, Noble, Ossewaarde, Parker, Wood, Gray, Stanford, Guilmant, and others. (2001)

AMERICAN MUSIC FROM SAINT THOMAS CHURCH Koch International Classics Digital CD The Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys and The Orchestra of Saint Luke’s. Gerre Hancock, Conductor, Judith Hancock, Organist. Works of Locklair, Piston and Thompson. (2002

GABRIEL FAURE, REQUIEM, FRANCIS POULENC, CONCERTO IN G MINOR FOR ORGAN, ORCHESTRA AND TYMPANI Koch International Digital Recording The Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys, The Orchestra of Saint Luke’s, Judith Hancock, Organist. Gerre Hancock, Director. (2003).

The Music Office Gothic Records JAV Recordings St. Thomas Church PO Box 6406 43 Wellington Court 1 W. 53rd Street Anaheim, CA 92816 Brooklyn, NY 11230 New York, NY 10019 [email protected] www.pipeorgancds.com 212/757-7013 714/999-1061

Karen McFarlane Artists, Inc. 33563 Seneca Drive • Cleveland, OH 44139 TOLL FREE (866) 721-9095 • FAX (440) 542-1890 • www.concertorganists.com

GERRE HANCOCK Printed Music * = Brass parts available upon request from the publisher

CHORAL MUSIC

Song Title Arranger/ Publisher Cat. # Year Composer

Deep River Hancock Hal Leonard Co. F2273 1989

Missa Resurrectionis Hancock Oxford University Press 94.213 1976

Teach Me, My God and King Hancock H.W. Gray/C.P.P. Belwin/ 3381 1977 Warner Bros. Publications

*Go Ye Therefore Hancock H.W. Gray/C.P.P. Belwin/ 3331 1975 Warner Bros. Publications

Kindle the Gift of God Hancock Oxford University Press 94.298 1999

*Introit for a Feast Day Hancock Galleon Press 3012.13 1992

Judge Eternal Hancock Oxford University Press 94228 1988

*A Song to the Lamb Hancock Oxford University Press 98.201 2000

*Christ Has Conquered Noyon Oxford University Press 94232 1991 (Christus vincit) Arr. Hancock

Out of the Deep, Psalm 130 Hancock H.W. Gray/C.P.P. Belwin/ 2798 1964 Warner Bros. Publications

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly Hancock Oxford University Press 94.296 1999

Eternal God Hancock Oxford University Press 94.244 1993

The Lord will surely come Hancock Oxford University Press 94.245 1993

O Lord our Govenor Hancock Oxford University Press 94.267 1998

O King Enthroned on High Hancock Oxford University Press 94.268 1998

O be Joyful in the Lord Hancock Oxford University Press 94.249 1995

Preces and Responses Hancock Paraclete Press 09712 1997

Come, ye lofty. Come, ye lowly Hancock Oxford University Press 94.266 1998

Christ Our Passover Oxford University Press 94.203 2000 GERRE HANCOCK Compositions, Page 2

Earthquake, Wind and Fire Trinitas Press 4570 2002

Psalm 149 Oxford University Press 0-19- 2004 386702-8 You Are One In Christ Jesus Paraclete Press 2006

Give Thanks to the Lord Hancock Hinshaw Music Inc. HMC- 2008 2162

HYMNS

“Earth’s scattered isles” Rowthorn/ Hymn Society of America 0018272 1980 (Dominus Regnavit) Hancock Vol. 31, #2

Come, thou fount of every Arr. by THE HYMNAL 1982 1984 blessing (Nettleton) Hancock New York, The Church Pension Fund

O God of love, to thee we bow Hancock THE HYMNAL 1982 (St. Mary Magdalene) Retell what Christ’s great love Rowthorn/ A NEW HYMNAL FOR 1972 had done (Wichmann) Hancock COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS Yale University, New Haven

Come, thou Holy Spirit, Come Hancock Oxford University Press 2001 (Church Music Society)

ORGAN MUSIC

A Paraphrase of “St. Elizabeth” Hancock Oxford University Press 93.118 1975

The Chenault Organ Hancock H.W. Gray Publishing 1991 Duet Library Collection “A Fancy for for Two to Play Two to Play”

Organ Improvisations for Hancock Hinshaw Music Inc. HMO- 1991 Hymn Singing 100

Organ Improvisations for Hancock Hinshaw Music Inc. HMO- Hymn Singing, Vol. 2 164

Organ Improvisations for Hancock Hinshaw Music Inc. HMO- Advent and Christmas Hymns 165 GERRE HANCOCK Compositions, Page 3

Organ Improvisations for Hancock Hinshaw Music Inc. HMO- Lent and Easter Hymns 169

Air Hancock Oxford University Press 93.104 2000

Bristol Collection Hancock H. Flammer 1968 Bayhead, Vol. 2 Nettleton, Vol. 1 Playford, Vol. 1 Somerset Hills, Vol. 3

Fantasy on “Divinium Hancock C.P. Belwin/H.W. Gray GB-627 1974 Mysterium”

Prelude on “Hyfrydol” Hancock C.P.Belwin/H.W.Gray 1979

Prelude and Fugue on “Union Hancock C.P.Belwin/H.W. Gray 1982 Seminary”

Meditation on Hancock Oxford University Press 1998 “Union Seminary”

Variations on “Coronation” Hancock Paraclete Press 2000

Variations on “Palm Beach” Hancock Oxford University Press 2001

Toccata for Organ Hancock Oxford University Press 2003

Holy Week Hancock Paraclete Press 2007 A Work for Two Organists Orleans, Massachusetts And Two Organs “Palm Sunday” “Maunday Thursday” “Easter Day”

TEXT BOOK

Improvising: How to Master Hancock Oxford University Press 1994 the Art

VIDEO / DVD

GERRE HANCOCK: The Masters Series, Volume 4 Dr. Hancock’s career, performing, and teaching of Improvisation AGO 2006

GERRE HANCOCK Compositions, Page 4

ADDRESSES

Oxford University Press H. W. Gray Pub. 1/800/327-7643 200 Madison Avenue Belwin Mills Publishing New York, NY 10016 Warner Brothers PO Box 4340 Miami, FL 33014

Galleon Press Hinshaw Music, Inc. The Boston Music Co. PO Box 470 Airport Drive Chapel Hill, NC 27414 Hopedale, MA 01747

Harold Flammer Paraclete Press Music Sales Corp. PO Box 1586 257 Park Avenue South Orleans, MA 02653 New York, NY 10010

Trinitas Press American Guild of Organists 5536 NE Hassalo 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1260 Portland, OR 97213 New York, NY 10115

Karen McFarlane Artists, Inc. 33563 Seneca Drive • Cleveland, OH 44139 TOLL FREE (866) 721-9095 • FAX (440) 542-1890 • www.concertorganists.com

GERRE HANCOCK Improvisation

Improvisation has long been a subject of consuming interest to Gerre Hancock, who was fortunate to have studied the subject with Nadia Boulanger, Jean Langlais and Searle Wright.

A large part of the organ music for the services at Saint Thomas Church (where Dr. Hancock was Organist and Master of Choristers for more than thirty years) includes improvisation on various themes presented within the course of each day’s liturgical and musical numbers. Mr. Hancock enjoys improvising in the various classical forms, with particular emphasis on contrapuntal forms, especially fugal.

Dr. Hancock teaches improvisation at The School of Music of The University of Texas at Austin. The Sacred Music Studies Center at the university is being founded to include an Improvisation Academy as part of the intensive study of this ancient and modern art. He has also taught this art at The Julliard School in New York City, The Institute of Sacred Music at Yale University in New Haven, and The Eastman School of Music in Rochester. He is frequently invited to give master classes or lecture-demonstrations for chapters of The American Guild of Organists and other groups on this subject. Dr. Hancock has also conducted workshops of a more extended nature in a number of leading universities in the United States, and at various Church Music Conferences.

On his recital programs he is frequently asked to improvise from themes presented just prior to this part of the program. His improvisations have been widely praised and on countless occasions have earned for him standing ovations.

A recording, Improvisation II, of several of Dr. Hancock’s improvisations on various hymn-tunes, is available from the Music Secretary, Saint Thomas Church, 1 West 53rd Street, New York, New York 10019.

His textbook, Improvising: How to Master the Art, is published by Oxford University Press, New York.

Karen McFarlane Artists, Inc. 33563 Seneca Drive • Cleveland, OH 44139 TOLL FREE (866) 721-9095 • FAX (440) 542-1890 • www.concertorganists.com