David Thompson

Music & Vision Magazine contributor Rev David Thompson died suddenly, aged fifty-nine, on 28 April 2004, whilst conducting a funeral service at Southend Crematorium in the UK. Thompson, known as a conscientious priest, also focussed his considerable writing talents into passionate articles about music. He wrote for M&V during much of his four-year placement at St David's Church, Rayleigh Road, Eastwood, where he became a friend of this magazine's founding editor Basil Ramsey. Thompson was also a keen pianist.

David Thompson moved to Eastwood from Rickmansworth, where he had been chaplain and head of religious studies at the Royal Masonic School for Girls. He had played Nanki-Poo in the school's production of Mikado. He had previously been a music teacher.

He was sadly missed by his family, his parishioners, and by many M&V readers worldwide.

 

Articles by David Thompson

Aubrey Brain plays Bach, Brahms, Glazunov and Mozart. '... music making of the highest calibre ...'

Zeynep Ucbasaran plays Liszt

David Thompson reviews a performance of 'L'Enfance du Christ' by Berlioz

David Thompson is impressed by Angela Hewitt's playing of Bach, Couperin and Ravel at London's South Bank International Piano Series

Semyon Bychkov conducts Richard Strauss. 'This is a fine achievement by all concerned.'

David Thompson encounters the Two Barons of Rocca Azzurra

David Thompson was at the First Night of the BBC Proms in London on 18 July 2003

David Thompson is motivated by Barbara Nissman's book 'Bartók and the Piano'

David Thompson is impressed by 'Copland Connotations - Studies and Interviews'

Shostakovich symphonies Nos 1 and 12, compared. 'Praise to all departments ...'

David Thompson considers an important addition to Bartók's recorded legacy

Bampton Classical Opera at London's St John's Smith Square

David Thompson samples three symphonies from two international orchestras at the BBC Proms

Stokowski conducts Schumann and Haydn, and David Thompson listens. '... he delivers in spades.'

David Thompson was at the First Night of the Proms in London, 19 July 2002

Speaking for itself. An Arnold Bax symphony, welcomed. 'The present disc maintains these exalted standards.'

Music of quality. David Thompson listens to Gerard Schurmann's score for 'The Lost Continent'

Naughty but nice. David Thompson enjoys English National Opera's 'Lulu' at the London Coliseum

Resplendent performance. Stokowski conducts Mendelssohn and Brahms. 'They were clearly devoted to the old wizard, and they play their hearts out for him.'

Bridging the day. 'Robert Irvine gives a consummate performance, technically amazing, and emotionally involving ...' Works for cello and piano by Sally Beamish

The test of time. David Thompson listens to volume six of Priory's New English Hymnal

Spiritual mysteries. 'This is a great recording of what, I dare to suggest, will come to be recognised as great music.' James MacMillan's music for Westminster Cathedral

Dazzling virtuosity. '... the power to surprise as well as to beguile and delight.' Maurice Steger plays Vivaldi concerti

Voice of an angel. 'A wonderful collection ...' Gillian Weir's Organ Master Series on Priory

Darkly brooding. '... a thoughtful and carefully prepared account, beautifully played and recorded.' Shostakovich's Sixth and Tenth Symphonies

Truly chilling. David Thompson listens to Britten's 'War Requiem' in London

A marked contrast. 'Exemplary performances, excellent recording and presentation ...' Two piano quintets