Edward Harold Davies

Who was Edward Harold Davies?

Edward Harold Davies was professor of music at Adelaide University, Principal of the Elder Conservatorium, and brother of Sir Walford Davies.

Harold was the third of four sons of John Whitridge Davies of Oswestry on the English-Welsh border. He emigrated to Australia in 1886, returned to England in 1890 where he was appointed organist at the Chapel Royal, then returned to Australia where he founded the South Australia Orchestra and played a leading role in the teaching and examination of music.

Davies was in his time a choir leader, conductor, critic, promoter, teacher and organist. He was also a radio commentator and a noted recorder of indigenous music.

In 1933, Davies edited "The Children's Bach", a collection of 20 simple Bach pieces for piano, selected mostly from the Clavier-Book for Anna Magdalena. Beloved by both music students and teachers, the collection is still is in print.