Robert Farnon (1917–2005)
Robert Joseph Farnon, born in Toronto, was a composer, conductor, musical arranger and jazz trumpeter. Commissioned as a captain in the Canadian Army, he became conductor/arranger of the Canadian Band of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force sent overseas during World War II. After the war Farnon moved to England, eventually settling permanently in Guernsey in the Channel Islands with his family.
He was widely recognised as an outstanding practitioner of the arranger’s craft, and influenced many in his field, including Quincy Jones. Conductor André Previn called him ‘the greatest writer for strings in the world.’
He wrote music for more than 40 films, as well as theme tunes and other music for many, mostly British, television series. In later life he composed more ambitious orchestral works, including three symphonies, a concerto for piano and orchestra, a rhapsody for violin and orchestra and a concerto for bassoon.
Biography by Roger Cotterrell.
Memorial service
A brief report by Jo Marney of a 2005 memorial service in London for Robert Farnon.
Robert Farnon: Interview 3
Image Details
| Interview date | 1st January 2005 |
|---|---|
| Interview source | Jazz Professional |
| Image source credit | |
| Image source URL | |
| Reference number | |
| Forename | Robert |
| Surname | Farnon |
| Quantity | 3 |
Interview Transcription
On Sunday, the 24th of July, 2005 a memorial service was held in St Paul's Church, Covent Garden to celebrate the life and music of the late, great Robert Farnon.
Among those who attended were Coda Club members Tony Harrison, Stan Reynolds, John Keating, Lucy Reeve, Stephen Nee, Jo Marney, Sheila Tracy, Jack Parnell, Peter Hughes, Duncan Lamont and Roy Willox. A great many other musicians and friends were also present at the ceremony.
The afternoon began with the playing of some of Farnon's well-known compositions. The service commenced with Robert's composition Journey into Melody, followed by a welcoming address by the Rev. Dr. Julian Davies.
Among the guest speakers were Malcolm Laycock, whose choice of music was Sarah Vaughan singing How Beautiful Is Night. Iain Sutherland selected Finale, from Rhapsody for Violin and Orchestra as his tribute. This was followed by Tony Bennett singing Country Girl, chosen by Robert Farnon's manager, Derek Boulton.
After a blessing by the Rev. Davies the congregation retired to the music of To A Young Lady. The music and recordings were provided by the Robert Farnon Society.
