Virgil Fox

Virgil Fox (May 3, 1912–October 25,1980) was a renowned organist, known especially for his flamboyant "Heavy Organ" concerts of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach for audiences more familiar with Rock and Roll music, staged complete with light shows.

Related Topics:
May 3 - 1912 - October 25 - 1980 - Organ - Johann Sebastian Bach - Rock and Roll

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Born in Princeton, Illinois, the son of Miles and Birdie Fox, it was soon clear that he was a child prodigy. Fox began playing the organ for church services at the age of ten, and made a concert debut in 1926 before 2,500 at Withrow High School, Cincinnati.

Related Topics:
Princeton, Illinois - 1926 - Withrow High School - Cincinnati

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From 1926 to 1930 he studied in Chicago under German organist-composer Wilhelm Middelschulte.

Related Topics:
1930 - Chicago - Wilhelm Middelschulte

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His other principal teachers were Hugh Price, Louis Robert, and Marcel Dupré. He was an alumnus of the Peabody Institute of Music in Baltimore, Maryland, where he became the first student to complete the course for the coveted Artist's Diploma within a year.

Related Topics:
Marcel Dupré - Peabody Institute - Baltimore

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During August and September 1938 he plays in Great Britain and Germany; Fox was the first non-German organist to perform publicly in the Thomaskirche in Leipzig — a special occasion, since J.S. Bach served as cantor of the Thomaskirche until his death in 1750, and was also buried within the church.

Related Topics:
1938 - Great Britain - Germany - Thomaskirche - Leipzig - Cantor

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During the Second World War he enlisted in the Army Air Force and took a leave of absence from Brown Memorial Church and the Peabody. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant, and played various recitals and services. After having played more than 600 concerts while on duty, he was discharged from the Army Air Force in 1946.

Related Topics:
Second World War - Army Air Force - Brown Memorial Church - Staff Sergeant - 1946

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He also served as the organist at the Riverside Church in New York City.

Related Topics:
Riverside Church - New York City

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From 1971 until 1975 he performed his famous "Heavy Organ" concerts, touring around the country.

Related Topics:
1971 - 1975

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A lump was detected on his prostate gland in September 1976, after which the gland was surgically removed. His last concert was recorded on May 6, 1979, and he died of cancer in Palm Beach, Florida.

Related Topics:
Prostate gland - 1976 - Surgically removed - May 6 - 1979 - Cancer - Palm Beach, Florida

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