Peter J. Pirie

Who is Peter J. Pirie?

Peter J. Pirie 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. 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. His wife Mildred was a member of the Society of Friends 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".