Gareth Morris, English flute player and educator (b. 1920)

Gareth Charles Walter Morris, born on 13 May 1920, was a distinguished British flautist whose career spanned more than fifty years, deeply influencing the landscape of classical music in the United Kingdom. Remembered not only for his exceptional musical talent but also for his staunch commitment to the traditional wooden flute, he held pivotal positions in leading London orchestras and as a respected educator. Morris passed away on 14 February 2007, leaving behind a profound legacy in the world of flute playing and orchestral music.

Early Life and Musical Foundations

Born in Clevedon, Somerset, England, Gareth Morris received his early education at the prestigious Bristol Cathedral Choir School, an institution renowned for nurturing young musical talent. It was here that the foundations for his remarkable career were laid. He embarked on his musical journey with the flute at the age of 12, demonstrating an early aptitude for the instrument. His initial private studies were under the tutelage of Robert Murchie, a significant figure who would later bequeath an instrument to Morris, underscoring their enduring musical connection.

At the age of 18, Morris's talent was formally recognized when he secured a scholarship to the esteemed Royal Academy of Music in London. There, his principal teacher was Charles Stainer, a respected educator who further honed Morris's technique and musical understanding. It was also during his time at the Academy that Morris forged a lifelong friendship with the legendary horn player Dennis Brain, a bond that extended beyond collegiate years, with Morris serving as best man at Brain's wedding. This friendship would lead to significant musical collaborations in chamber settings.

A Distinguished Orchestral and Chamber Career

Gareth Morris's professional career began to flourish rapidly. His Wigmore Hall debut in 1939 marked the beginning of a prominent presence in the British classical music scene. He became an active and sought-after performer in various chamber music groups, most notably the Dennis Brain Wind Ensemble and the London Wind Quintet. These ensembles were crucial in promoting wind chamber music in post-war Britain, and Morris's involvement placed him at the heart of this vibrant musical movement.

During the Second World War, Morris contributed to the war effort by joining the Royal Air Force, where he continued his musical pursuits as the principal flautist in the RAF Symphony Orchestra, ensuring that music, even amidst conflict, continued to inspire.

Principal Flautist of the Philharmonia Orchestra

Morris served as principal flautist for several London orchestras, including the pioneering Boyd Neel Orchestra, known for its significant contributions to chamber orchestra repertoire and early music recordings. However, it was his tenure with the Philharmonia Orchestra that cemented his reputation. He succeeded Arthur Gleghorn as principal flute in 1948, a position he would hold for an impressive 24 years, making him one of the longest-serving principal flautists in the orchestra's history. His commitment to the orchestra was exemplified by his participation in nationally significant events, such as playing at Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation in 1953.

The Philharmonia Orchestra, founded by the visionary Walter Legge in 1945, was initially conceived as a recording ensemble, attracting the finest musicians of the era. In 1964, Legge announced his controversial intention to disband the orchestra. In an unprecedented move, the orchestra members, including Morris, bravely dissented. They collectively agreed to continue as a self-governing entity, renaming themselves the New Philharmonia Orchestra. This act of collective will was a landmark moment in orchestral history, demonstrating the power of musicians to take control of their artistic destiny.

In 1966, Morris's leadership and commitment were recognized when he was elected chairman of the New Philharmonia Orchestra, a significant administrative role that placed him at the forefront of the ensemble's new self-governing structure. During this period, the orchestra enjoyed a particularly fruitful relationship with its principal conductor, the legendary Otto Klemperer. Morris shared a close and deeply respectful professional bond with Klemperer, a conductor renowned for his profound interpretations of the Austro-German repertoire. His relationship with another conducting titan, Herbert von Karajan, was described as "at best cordial," yet Morris undeniably respected Karajan's immense talent and musicianship.

Klemperer retired in 1971 at the age of 87, marking the end of an era. He was succeeded by Lorin Maazel, followed by Riccardo Muti, as the orchestra continued to attract world-class conductors.

An Abrupt End to Performing and a Lasting Influence

Morris's tenure with the orchestra concluded shortly after Klemperer's retirement. While a press release at the time cited "irreconcilable artistic differences" as a contributing factor to his resignation, a more tragic and personal event played a decisive role. While on tour with the orchestra in New York City, Morris was mugged and sustained serious injuries. Critically, a nerve in his mouth was damaged, an injury that irrevocably prevented him from continuing to play the flute professionally. This devastating incident brought an untimely end to his performing career.

The Gareth Morris Sound and Legacy

Gareth Morris was distinctive for his unwavering preference for the wooden flute, a choice that set him apart from most of his contemporaries who had largely transitioned to metal instruments. This choice was not merely a matter of tradition; it was integral to his unique sound. His primary instrument was originally a Rudall-Carte, a renowned British maker, featuring specific keywork like an open G-sharp and vented D, which contributed to its particular tonal qualities. Later in his career, he performed on the instrument bequeathed to him by his former teacher, Robert Murchie.

Morris's playing exemplified the "English school" of flute playing, characterized by a firm, tight embouchure. This technique enabled him to produce a remarkably solid, powerful, and focused tone, yet he was equally capable of astonishing delicacy and nuance. A hallmark of his style was his eschewal of excessive vibrato, preferring a purer, more direct sound that emphasized the inherent beauty of the flute's timbre. His distinctive approach led to him being hailed as "at the forefront of English flute playing for more than half a century."

His prominence and unique sound made him a muse for many composers, including Gordon Jacob and Alan Rawsthorne, who specifically wrote works for him, recognizing his interpretative skills and technical mastery. A notable achievement in his performing career was giving the first British performance of Francis Poulenc's beloved Flute Sonata in 1958, a significant addition to the flute repertoire that he helped introduce to British audiences.

Teaching, Adjudication, and Publications

Beyond his performing career, Gareth Morris was an influential educator. He served as Professor of the Flute at the Royal Academy of Music from 1945 to 1985, mentoring generations of flautists and shaping the future of British flute playing. After retiring from active performance, he moved to Bristol, where he continued to teach, sharing his vast knowledge and experience with aspiring musicians. His dedication to pedagogy culminated in the publication of his tutorial, "Flute Technique," in 1991, a valuable resource for students and professionals alike.

His contributions to the musical world extended to various other activities, including serving as an adjudicator at competitions, an orchestral coach, and a lecturer. He was a frequent and revered instructor at the Dartington Summer School of Music, a celebrated institution for musical education and performance.

Personal Life and Family

Gareth Morris was married twice. His first marriage was in 1954 to Joy Hazelrigg of Kentucky, and together they had a daughter, Emily. Following a divorce, he married Patricia Murray in 1975, with whom he had three children: Thomas, Mary, and Catharine. Morris came from a notable family; his brother Christopher was a music publisher at the esteemed Oxford University Press, and his sister was the renowned travel writer and historian Jan Morris, who was widely celebrated for her extensive works and distinctive prose.

Morris's contributions to British culture are also recognized by the National Portrait Gallery, which holds a photographic portrait of him taken in 1968 by Godfrey Argent, a testament to his stature in the arts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gareth Morris

What made Gareth Morris unique among flautists of his time?

Gareth Morris was unique for his steadfast commitment to playing the wooden flute, which produced a distinctively rich and pure tone, at a time when most other professional flautists had switched to metal instruments. He also favored a tight embouchure and eschewed excessive vibrato, contributing to his characteristic "English school" sound.

Which orchestras did Gareth Morris play for?

He was principal flautist for several London orchestras, including the Boyd Neel Orchestra. Most notably, he served as the principal flautist of the Philharmonia Orchestra (later the New Philharmonia Orchestra) for 24 years.

What significant event led to Gareth Morris's retirement from playing?

While on tour in New York City, Gareth Morris was mugged and seriously injured. A nerve in his mouth was damaged, which regrettably forced him to cease playing the flute professionally.

Did Gareth Morris have a role in the Philharmonia Orchestra's self-governance?

Yes, he was instrumental in the orchestra's decision to become self-governing after Walter Legge intended to disband it in 1964. He later became the chairman of the newly formed New Philharmonia Orchestra in 1966, playing a key leadership role in this historic transition.

Who were some of Gareth Morris's famous family members?

His siblings included Christopher Morris, a music publisher at Oxford University Press, and Jan Morris, the acclaimed travel writer and historian.

What were Gareth Morris's contributions to music education?

He was Professor of the Flute at the Royal Academy of Music for 40 years (1945-1985), continued to teach after his performing career ended, and published a tutorial entitled "Flute Technique" in 1991. He also lectured, coached orchestras, and adjudicated.