Walter Lynnwood Farnam

Lynnwood Farnam (January 13, 1885 – November 23, 1930) was a Canadian organist who became the preeminent organist in North America in the 1920s until his death. He was influential in promoting the music of Bach, and also championed French organ music contemporary to his day. He became acquainted with the most important American and European organists of his day, and upon his early death, several major works were dedicated to his memory. He was known for his superb technical ability and knowledge of organ registration, but he avoided performances intended to "show off" the organist, preferring the attention to be drawn to the music.

Biography Walter Lynnwood Farnam was born on January 13, 1885, in Sutton, Quebec, Canada, into a family of farmers and inventors. He was named Walter after his great-great-grandfather, who gained a fortune for a plow he had invented. His first musical instructor was his mother, and then from two teachers at Dunham Ladies College.

His first professional position as an organist was at St. James Methodist Church in Montreal, which he held from 1904 to 1905. His final year in Montreal also saw him begin teaching organ at McGill Conservatory. He had applied to join the Canadian army much earlier at the outset of Canadian participation in the First World War, but he had been rejected because of eye impediments. His tenure at this location was unpleasant for him, he was unappreciated by the congregation and had an acrimonious relationship with the music committee. While in France he spent time with Louis Vierne at Notre-Dame de Paris. October 1923 saw Farnam making his first radio broadcast. In the late 1920s he toured the United States extensively, ranging from the Deep South to the Midwest to the Northwest. The Cincinnati Conservatory of Music awarded Farnam an honorary Doctor of Music June 20, 1930. Farnam considered Bach to be the greatest writer of organ music but had a particular fondness of French organ music from his own time, especially that of Louis Vierne. Farnam also performed programs consisting of the entire organ works of Brahms and Franck. Edward Moore of the Chicago Tribune remarked upon Farnam's rhythm, comparing the dance-ability of his performance of Handel's organ concertos to Paul Whiteman. He viewed his concerts and recitals as an extension of the church's work, and disdained "theatrical" playing in a sacred setting. He deserves consideration in conversations regarding the greatest North American organists. Vierne dedicated his Organ Symphony No. 6 in B minor to Farnam. Gustave Ferrari dedicated his Entree Festaval to Farnam. The 21st office, "Dominica IV post Pascha", from Charles Tournemire's L'Orgue Mystique, dated June 14 1930. Seth Bingham's Suite No. 1 for Organ, opus 25. Leo Sowerby's Symphony in G major for organ is "dedicated to my friend Lynnwood Farnam, who is certainly the greatest organist I ever knew" Karg-Elert's In Memoriam for organ is dedicated to Farnam Harry Jepson's Masquerade is dedicated to Farnam.

After his death a memorial was erected at the Third Avenue Church in Saskatoon and bronze bust of Farnam by Alfred Laliberté was placed at Christ Church Cathedral in Montreal upon the first anniversary of his death. In 1999 the bust was permanently loaned to the Faculty of Music of McGill University, where it now rests in the lounge of Pollack Concert Hall.

Personal life Farnam never married. Helen Hewitt Robert Cato

Paul Robinson William Thaanum