“Desert Island Discs” 1998: Sir David Willcocks

This edition, hosted by Sue Lawley, was broadcast on 17 May 1998 and featured Sir David Willcocks, formerly Organist & Choirmaster of King’s College Cambridge.
The BBC radio series “Desert Island Discs” was created by presenter Roy Plumley in 1942 and has been running ever since. At the time of writing, its current presenter is Kirsty Young. The format is simple: each week’s guest chooses eight records they would take with them if they were to be stranded on a desert island.

[@melissaking6019]

My parents attended a concert by Sir David and the Royal College of Music in the 70's. When it was over, my mother - an organist and choirmaster - met him. She said it was like meeting God. She held Sir David in reverential awe. He was a lovely, gracious, down-to-earth, humble man. After their conversation, Sir David went to take down the risers all by himself and my father went to help him. It was a highlight of my parents' lives. God rest his soul.

[@punchwilliamson8383]

What a joy to listen to. A man of so many experiences. Wonderful.

[@richardharrold9736]

What a ruddy marvellous man he was. A true hero of the highest order, a brilliant musician, and utterly devoid of ego. One of the all-time Great Britons.

[@MOGGS1942]

I met him, and you are SO right in your assessment of this great man.

[@claireakahayes-fogarty8452]

@@MOGGS1942 I'm so sorry I never met Sir David and Sir Stephen.

[@thomastaylor5239]

he was an extraordinary man- a blessing to know and be tutored by him as a child in music and life. your description is precious.

[@claireakaforestgreenorgang9506]

Sir David's arrangements are the best. I like to think of him as my honorary grandpa. And Sir Stephen meant a lot to me too (I am so heartbroken that he did not live longer; I was hoping he'd live as long as Sir David had, or at least almost as long). The King's College Choir is the best choir in the world!

[@mooiwiele]

Sir David Willcocks led the RSCM Summer School at St. George's Cathedral, Cape Town. I recall his answer on a question about Psalms vs. Hymns: "Psalms are the Inspired Word of God. The hymns on the other hand, are the all-too-often uninspired word of man."

[@ArchiveofRecordedChurchMusic]

He did, as did Simon Preston. The Archive has LPs of both of these summer schools

[@claireakaforestgreenorgang9506]

@Hein Bertram, hymns have beautiful tunes (& most of the time beautiful lyrics too)! They are NOT the "all-too-often uninspired word of man".

[@jonb4020]

Some hymns surely are thus, but I'm sure that Sir David valued the best of them.