A composer, musician, and musicologist, Howard Ferguson (1908-1999) is perhaps best known for his compositions which are characterized by lyricism and integrity of structure.

Howard Ferguson's musical career is notable in that he made significant contributions in several areas of music. He was a performer, a composer, and an editor of music. His music has ranged from orchestral works to pieces for choir; yet all of his work was characterized by lyricism, good use of structure and harmony, and an adherence to the classical model of music.

Ferguson, through his editing, resurrected early keyboard works which had laid dormant for years. He also had the wherewithal to know when he was done with composition; he stopped composing midway through his career claiming that he'd said all he wished to say.

Education and Musical Premier

Ferguson was born in Belfast, North Ireland in 1908 to Stanley (a banker) and and...