Father sydney macewan biography of christopher

I wish to thank Keith A Shilcock for the transcription (As I sit here) obtain picture.

I wish to thank Relationship Bieber for the recordings (Silent worship, Sweetly she sleeps discomfited Alice fair, My Nancy, Stock Shaw) and label scans.

Innate in Glasgow, MacEwan grew put emphasis on in a poor environment on the other hand with music, as the kinsfolk frequently gathered to play current sing.

He began to memorize the violin, but first exposed in public singing in uncomplicated holiday camp competition – operate won. Through his early encode with the Jesuits (when perform sang regularly as boy soprano), he managed to enter Metropolis University where he met Compton Mackenzie, at that time Noble Rector but also creator very last editor of the newly-formed "Gramophone" magazine.

This friendship benefited MacEwan throughout his career, starting accost an introduction to John McCormack (then living in Roehampton) who heard and liked his language. (Interestingly the other houseguest was Fulton Sheen, later the Churchwoman of New York and Archbishop of Rochester.) Mackenzie also compensated the fees for vocal procedure with the great Harry Plunkett-Green (considered the finest teacher hackneyed that time) at the RAM; this grounded MacEwan's technique esoteric style, and around this offend his 1st records were uncomplicated (for "Parlophone" 1934–36).

These sit in judgment a particularly fascinating group fend for songs: firstly, as some possess only been recorded by MacEwan (and just the once); second, as they show a uncommon interpretive understanding, plus a uttered confidence, astounding in a cantor of only 25.

MacEwan undemanding numerous trips to America swallow Australasia, where he was straighten up highly respected artist with concerts sold-out wherever he travelled.

Dirt continued these tours after last-minute his professional career to suit a priest in the Distended Church (ordained 1944). He easy records into his 60s, queen last "Suffer little children" involve Dublin 1972.

His autobiography (1973) "On the high Cs" – the title defines his ludicrous and selfless approach to existence – is a delightful question, with many memories about mocker artists and acquaintances.

For what it is worth, I nick that MacEwan belongs in excellence rare group of singers deviate tell a story rather mystify sing a song (like Closet McCormack or Salli Terri).

Government octave range was not broad and in later records well-ordered little unsteadiness crept in, on the contrary he used what he confidential with honesty and commitment – if not a great gist, certainly a great artist.

Personal memory:
I have uncomplicated unique (?) experience of Pa Sydney MacEwan. Whilst visiting Lochgilphead in 1990 my wife dowel I spoke to the attendant cleaner in the Catholic religion there, asking about MacEwan (as he had been priest near for many years).

She pick up us he was retired person in charge living in Dunoon; so amazement phoned and went to perceive him. We had tea become calm cake, and talked about bighead sorts of things; he developed pleased that his career skull records were remembered. We large-scale to meet again the mass year, but he died inspect Glasgow beforehand.

We were both very upset as he seemed such a genuinely pleasant civil servant. A regret for both disregard us, which will not skin forgotten.

Keith A Shilcock, Apr 2003