Warren, Samuel Prowse

1841-

 

Contemporary American organist; born in Montreal, Canada, where his father had an organ factory. In his childhood he became familiar with the instrument, and when still very young was organist at the American Church of Montreal. After going through college he determined to make music his profession, and in 1861 he went to Berlin, where he studied composition, organ-playing and theory under August Haupt, instrumentation under Wieprecht and piano under Gustav Schumann. He returned to America in 1864 and after a short time in Montreal became organist at All Souls' Church in New York in 1865, remaining there until 1867, when he went to Grace Church. From 1874 to 1876 he played the organ at Trinity Church, then returned to Grace Church, where he has since remained. He is well known in New York for his admirable organ concerts, for he has an extensive repertory and plays with great technical skill. He has written some songs and transcriptions for organ, all of a sacred character. He has done much to familiarize the New York public with high class organmusic.