Blair was a chorister and later organist at Worcester Cathedral
Blair returned to Worcester Cathedral as Assistant Organist (1887–89), Organist-in-Charge (1889–95) and Organist (1895–97).[2]William Done (by this stage in his seventies) handed his duties to Blair in 1889,[3] but remained titular Organist until his death in 1895, whereupon Blair succeeded him.
Blair also gave the first performance of Elgar's Organ Sonata in G on 8 July 1895, having asked Elgar to write an organ voluntary for the visit of some American organists to Worcester. The work's opening theme is reminiscent of a theme from The Black Knight.
Blair directed the Three Choirs Festivals of 1893 and 1896. In 1896, Blair conducted the Festival's first performance of the VerdiRequiem, and the premières of his own cantata Blessed are they who watch and Elgar's oratorio The Light of Life (Lux Christi).[3]
Blair also worked for the publishing firm Novello & Co,[1] co-editing The Church Hymnal for the Christian Year, published in 1917.[6]
Selected works
Worcester Cathedral Library contains copies of his compositions. His Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in B minor for double choir is still performed and recorded. Kevin Allen lists seven sets of Canticles, a Short Sonata in G major for organ (1903) and a Piano Trio in D minor amongst his compositions.[7]
^ abBoden, Anthony; Hedley, Paul (2017). The Three Choirs Festival: A History. Boydell & Brewer. pp. 158–160. ISBN978-1783272099.
^Whitefoot, Michelle (2020). A Choral Chronicle. Whitefoot PR Ltd. ISBN978-1-5272-7786-1.
^"Church News". Bristol Times and Mirror. 30 June 1897. p. 8. Retrieved 6 May 2019. Mr. Hugh Blair has resigned the post of organist at Worcester Cathedral, to which he was appointed on the death of Dr. Done.
^Blair, Hugh; Peace, Lister R., eds. (1917). The Church Hymnal for the Christian Year. Novello.