Autographed and inscribed original
back-stamped sepia 8” x 10” portrait of the legendary organist.
The British born, American concert organist, Edward Power Biggs (1906-1977) was the organists’ organist. He arrived in America in 1930 after graduating from the Royal College of Music in 1929. After a two year stint in Newport, Rhode Island he became the organist at Christ Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts, his adopted home town for the rest of his life. He made his Biggs American concert debut at Wanamaker Hall in New York City in 1932, about the time this photograph was taken. When Virgil Fox disturbed the AGO with his flashiness and performance, Biggs earned their standing ovations. A Bach purist through and through, he recorded a significant legacy which is still widely available today. Unlike Virgil Fox, who he rather reviled, Biggs, though not stodgy preferred the subtly of the organist of the past. He was revolted when Carnegie Hall replaced their pipe organ with an electric organ. Biggs was also not completely without some frivolity, his recording of the works of Scott Joplin on the pedal harpsichord in his home is totally unique in the world of keyboard recordings. Biggs also had other stretches away from Bach purity when he arranged Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever” for organ.
Harmonie Autographs and Music, Inc.
Music Antiquarian and
Appraiser
New York, New York
All items guaranteed authentic