Peter J. Pirie
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Peter J. Pirie (1916–1997) was an English musicologist and critic prominent in music journalism of the mid-twentieth century. Having left school with no formal qualifications, Pirie was self-taught in music until he won a composition scholarship to the Guildhall School of Music, where he studied piano, composition and conducting.
During the Second World War he was a conscientious objector, and went to prison as a result. Once released, he was permitted to serve with the Light Rescue Service.[clarification needed] After the war, Pirie and his family moved to Whitstable in Kent, where he helped to run a music and book shop, "Pirie and Cavender", which was in business until 2007. Later on he moved to Sussex, near to the South Downs which he loved deeply.[citation needed] His wife Mildred (1911–1996) was a member of the Society of Friends (Quakers) and active as a peace campaigner.
His writing about music mainly consisted of magazine articles, reviews of recordings and concerts, and record sleeve-notes. He was a supporter of twentieth century English music, especially that of Arnold Bax and Frank Bridge. The Stratford & East London Music Festival awards a "Peter J. Pirie Memorial Prize" and a "Mildred Pirie Memorial Cup".
Books
- Frank Bridge, Triad Press (1971) ISBN 0-902070-02-9
- The English Musical Renaissance: Twentieth Century British Composers & Their Works, St. Martin's Press (1980) ISBN 0-312-25435-0
- Furtwängler and the Art of Conducting, Duckworth (1981) ISBN 0-7156-1486-X
