Robert Andrews R.i.p.

[MusingMuso]

In recent years, Robert Andrews FRCO was probably not that well known, but in past decades, he was a frequent recitalist up and down the country.

 

His brilliant early promise was perhaps overshadowed by a degree of mental-breakdown in his early days, but he recovered from this and continued to pursue a career as a music-teacher and as the organist & choirmaster of Bingley Parish Church, near Bradford. It was here that he established a goods musical tradition and arranged a regular series of recitals, at which were heard many outstanding organists of the day.

 

In his later years, Robert was both frustrated and disappointed by changes to church-music, and he left the appointment at Bingley Parish Church; quite happy to help out where asked to do so, but not without a sense of bitterness and regret.

 

It was no secret that Robert Andrews fought a battle against the demon-drink, and it was often the drink which won the day. Nevertheless, his wit and intelligence were always admired, and he was seldom alone or out of mind for very long. One took Robert as one found him on the day; yet most people will have fond memories of the better moments and the pearls of wit by which means he would entertain and delight.

 

As a teacher and mentor, Robert Andrews could list a number of very fine musicians; among them the late Charles MacDonald. Furthermore, he was one of the earliest piano teachers of the late and very great John Ogden.

 

Following a lengthy battle against cancer, Robert Andrews died on May6th, 2007.

 

The funeral service took place at Morton Parish Church, near Bingley, and the organ was played by his life-long friend Dr Harry Bramma.

[Frank Fowler]

In recent years, Robert Andrews FRCO was probably not that well known, but in past decades, he was a frequent recitalist up and down the country.

 

His brilliant early promise was perhaps overshadowed by a degree of mental-breakdown in his early days, but he recovered from this and continued to pursue a career as a music-teacher and as the organist & choirmaster of Bingley Parish Church, near Bradford. It was here that he established a goods musical tradition and arranged a regular series of recitals, at which were heard many outstanding organists of the day.

 

In his later years, Robert was both frustrated and disappointed by changes to church-music, and he left the appointment at Bingley Parish Church; quite happy to help out where asked to do so, but not without a sense of bitterness and regret.

 

It was no secret that Robert Andrews fought a battle against the demon-drink, and it was often the drink which won the day. Nevertheless, his wit and intelligence were always admired, and he was seldom alone or out of mind for very long. One took Robert as one found him on the day; yet most people will have fond memories of the better moments and the pearls of wit by which means he would entertain and delight.

 

As a teacher and mentor, Robert Andrews could list a number of very fine musicians; among them the late Charles MacDonald. Furthermore, he was one of the earliest piano teachers of the late and very great John Ogden.

 

Following a lengthy battle against cancer, Robert Andrews died on May6th, 2007.

 

The funeral service took place at Morton Parish Church, near Bingley, and the organ was played by his life-long friend Dr Harry Bramma.

 

 

I first met Robert Andrews some 55 years ago when working in Bradford. He was a brilliant young performer and while we only met very infrequently I always looked forward to our meetings with pleasure.

 

My lasting memory is when he was playing a recital at Warwick Parish Church and had played about the first three notes of an item when the church automatic carillon played three verses of 'The Last Rose of Summer'. (I think it must have been 9 pm) He took it all in good humour.

 

FF