HAROLD E. DARKE

Harold Edwin Darke (1888–1976) was born in Highbury, London, England, was educated at Dame Alice Owen’s School, Islington, and at the Royal College of Music. He served in the Royal Air Force during WWI. He was assistant to H. W. Davies at Temple Church, then held organist positions at Stoke Newington Presbyterian Church, London; Emmanuel Church, West Hampstead; St. James’ Church, Paddington; and for 50 years at St Michael’s Church, Cornhill, London. He taught at the RCM, and was acting Director of Music at King’s College, Cambridge during World War II. His wife Dora was a violinist and was the first woman to lead the Queen’s Hall Orchestra. He died in Cambridge. His compositions are mostly the repertoire for Anglican church including organ pieces, service music, anthems, choral works, hymns, and carols.

All are mixed chorus; some contain divisi.