James Welch announces the publication of Richard Purvis, Organist of Grace, his biography of California’s legendary organist and composer. A pupil of Alexander McCurdy and a classmate of Leonard Bernstein at the Curtis Institute in the 1930s, Purvis began composing widely programmed music before enlisting in the Army and fighting on the European Front, where he was captured by the Nazis during the Battle of the Bulge. A survivor in every sense, he wrote some of his most enduring music in foxholes and in prison camp.
After the war, Purvis returned to his native San Francisco, where he achieved a national reputation as organist and master of the choristers at Grace Cathedral, concert artist, teacher, and composer of more than 100 works for organ. The 508-page biography provides facts, photos, and anecdotes published for the first time.
Richard Purvis, Organist of Grace is available for the introductory price of $19.95 at www.welchorganist.com; also available at www.createspace.com/4051786
and Amazon.com.
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