William Thomas Best

William Thomas Best was considered to be the great English organist of the 19th century. He performed with great ease at improvissation, with facile pedal technique and was ingratiated to the public with his inaugerations/dedications of many organs (i.e., Royal Albert Hall, Albert Hall, Shefield) and at the openings of buildings. Best performed in numerous recitals that took him to Italy where he performed in the presence of Liszt. Displaying the full potential of many organs, Best's presence was in great demand. Though his compositions lacked any depth his editions of the works of Bach, Handel and Mendelssohn were well received as was the work he did on the Anglican ordinary. In collections, his work was incomparably thorough.
© Keith Johnson /TiVo