Walter Beckett

Full biography Walter Beckett

Walter Keohler Beckett was an Irish composer, musician, and music critic, born on July 27, 1914, in Dublin. He was the youngest of four children of James Walter Beckett and a cousin of the writer Samuel Beckett ). He served as a conductor during World War II and later became a professor of harmony and counterpoint at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in the early 1970s. Beckett was known for his compositions and arrangements for choral music , art song, and other classical genres.

Beckett's notable works include "The Hills of Fiannaidheacht," "The Chase," and the arrangements of traditional Irish songs, such as "The Parting Glass." He also wrote many music reviews and critiques for various publications, including The Irish Times and The Observer.

In addition to his work as a composer and music critic, Beckett taught at music schools in London and Dublin. He was also involved in various music organizations, including the Association of Irish Composers, and served as the chairman of the Kilkenny Arts Festival in 1982.

Beckett passed away on April 3, 1996, in Dublin, leaving behind a legacy in the Irish classical music scene. He was an important figure in the country's music education and contributed significantly to the development of contemporary classical music in Ireland.