Robert Farnon - R.I.P.

[graypencil]

To those who know me a bit, you'd quickly find out that probably my two biggest influences as a composer/arranger are Bill Holman and Bob Farnon:

I just received this terrible news from a friend in England.

>>Dear Phil
I have just heard that Bob passed away in the early hours of this morning. He was 87.
He was working right up to the end having just completed his Third Symphony,a Concerto for Basson,and a Wind Symphony. Working so hard I\'m sure he must have know time was running out.
We shall never see his like again.
Best
Mal


This is really a terrible loss to the community of composers. As my friend said, they'll never be another of his stature. Farnon was without a doubt the best pop orchestral writer in the world, as well as having jazz projects with JJ Johnson, George Shearing, Dizzy Gillespie, and many fine vocalists like Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra in his 60plus year career ..

RIP Bob ..

Phil Kelly

__________________

[Rob Damen]

I really enjoyed his work on J.J. Johnson's "Tangence"

RIP

Rob

[graypencil]

more info ..courtesy of John Clayton:

>>
Composer Robert Farnon dead at 87
*
Canadian Press

Saturday, April 23, 2005

LONDON -- Robert Farnon, the Canadian-born composer and arranger, has died
at the age of 87, his former manager said Saturday.

Farnon, who was regarded as one of the greatest composers of light
orchestral music of his era, died at a hospice near his home on the Channel
Island of Guernsey on Friday night, Derek Boulton said. He did not give a
cause of death.

Also an accomplished trumpeter, Farnon wrote the music for more than 40
films, including Spring In Park Lane, Maytime in Mayfair and Captain Horatio
Hornblower RN.

He won four Ivor Novello music awards, including one for Outstanding
Services to British Music in 1991, and garnered a Grammy award for
achievement in 1995.

Farnon first came to England as conductor of the Canadian Band of the Allied
Expeditionary Forces in 1944 and made the country his home at the end of the
Second World War. He has lived in Guernsey for 40 years.

Farnon is survived by his wife, Pat, and four children.

©*The Canadian Press 2005


*

[Jesse]

Sorry for the loss of your mentor, GP.

The beautiful thing you realize when a mentor passes is your place in the lineage of what he taught (and sometimes who he was).

Best
Jesse

[hornplayer]

How sad to read that.... even tho he was well up in years, and apparently in poor health.

My own particular favorite of his Jazz projects (no big surprise) is "Here's to Life" with Joe Williams. I think I'll go put that on now, in his memory.

Rest in peace, Robert Farnon.

I'm sorry for your loss, Phil.

[alocispepraluger]

"Respected Canadian composer dies

AP


LONDON -- Canadian-born composer and arranger Robert Farnon has died at the age of 87, his former manager said yesterday. Farnon, regarded as one of the greatest composers of light orchestral music of his era, died at a hospice near his home on the Channel Island of Guernsey on Friday night, Derek Boulton said. He did not give a cause of death.

Also an accomplished trumpeter, Farnon wrote the music for more than 40 films.

He won four Ivor Novello music awards, including one for Outstanding Services to British Music in 1991, and garnered a Grammy for achievement in 1995."

RIP to one of the very very best light orchestra conductors, composer, and arranger of beautiful, beautiful music.

from the FARNON SOCIETY WEBSITE:

It is with the deepest regret that we have to announce that Robert Farnon passed away peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning, 23 April 2005, aged 87. It is believed that he suffered from a minor heart attack during his sleep.

A private family funeral will take place on Friday, 29 April, in Guernsey. It is the family's wish that flowers should only be sent by members of the family, and no donations are requested in lieu of floral tributes.

Robert Farnon will be buried in Guernsey, where he has lived for the past 46 years. If they wish, his many admirers will be able to see his grave if they are visiting Guernsey in the future.

It is hoped that a Memorial Service will be held in London this summer, where music lovers can pay their own personal tributes and express their thanks for the life of a true musical genius. Details will be announced on this website as soon as they are known.

We know that Robert Farnon's friends and admirers around the world will join with all members of The Robert Farnon Society in expressing their sincere condolences to Mrs. Patricia Farnon, and all members of her family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this sad time.

[clinthopson]

My codolences, Phil.

I was unaware of Robert Farnon's work until I read about him in Gene Lees' Jazzletter.

His contributions are significant.