Ralph Downes

Ralph William Downes (16 August 1904 – 24 December 1993) was an English organist, organ designer, teacher and music director and was Professor of Organ in the Royal College of Music.

Biography Downes was born in Derby and studied at the Royal College of Music from 1922 to 1923 under Walter Alcock, Henry Ley, and Edgar Cook. He was then assistant organist at Southwark Cathedral from 1923 until 1925, His recitals and broadcasts were known for their use of historical performance styles, which was uncommon at the time. and Mander. Downes helped execute the rebuilding of many famous organs, including St Albans Cathedral (in 1963) (in 1971).

He was Professor of Organ in the Royal College of Music from 1954 to 1975 He died in 1993.