Percy Grainger

He was an extraordinary musical multi-talent and eccentric. Percy Grainger grew up in Melbourne, studied at the conservatory in Frankfurt and later in Berlin with Busoni. He began his long career in London in 1901 as a concert pianist and teacher, but he’s probably  best known today for his role in reviving interest in British folk music at the beginning of the 20th century: his piano arrangement of Country Gardens popularized that old Morris dance tune and made him famous all over the world. Grainger was also an innovative composer as well as a superb performer. With the outbreak of World War I, he moved to the US and his keyboard career flourished. His first American tour began in New York in 1915 and over the next two years he appeared all across the country, including at the White House for President Wilson. In his Schubert Club recital in 1916, he performed a typical Grainger program of Bach-Busoni, Franck, Debussy and Ravel, as well as music by his friend Grieg and, naturally, his own.

Percy Grainger is generously represented online. A great place to start is this hour-long program by the noted British broadcaster John Amis, including an interview with Grainger. It’s a good introduction to his fascinating life and legacy:

If your interest in Percy Grainger has been piqued, check out this excellent biographical documentary with footage of him performing as well as many valuable insights from other musicians:

Finally, a 1945 recording of Grainger playing his arrangement of “Danny Boy”:

Artist Note by Richard Evidon