David Goode: A Leading UK Organist and Teacher
A Distinguished Career in Music
David Goode is one of the UK’s foremost organists, renowned for his exceptional talent in performance, teaching, and composition. His extensive career has seen him perform across the world, inspire students as a dedicated teacher, and contribute significantly to organ and choral music.
Early Years and Musical Education
David Goode’s journey began as a music scholar at Eton College, followed by his role as an organ scholar at King’s College, Cambridge from 1991-1994. He graduated with a first-class degree and an MPhil, honing his organ-playing skills under the tutelage of David Sanger and Jacques van Oortmerssen in the Netherlands. These formative years laid the foundation for his future success as both an organist and educator.
Prestigious Appointments and Competition Success
Goode’s professional career took off in 1996 when he became Sub-Organist at Christ Church, Oxford. His reputation grew rapidly after securing top prizes at the 1997 St Alban’s International Organ Festival and the Recital Gold Medal at the 1998 Calgary Competition. From 2001, he pursued a freelance career, later becoming Organist-in-Residence at First Congregational Church in Los Angeles (2003-2005), home to the world’s largest church organ.
From 2005 to 2022, he held the prestigious position of Organist at Eton College, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of organists. His impact as a teacher remains a key aspect of his legacy.
A Globally Acclaimed Performer
David Goode has performed at many of the world’s most prestigious venues. His first appearance at the BBC Proms was in 1999, with later highlights including a solo recital in 2006 and being named a Featured Artist in 2011. He made his debuts at the Royal Festival Hall (RFH) and Symphony Hall in 2002 and has since returned multiple times. His global performances span Europe, North America, Australia, and the Far East.
His collaborations include work with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales (BBCNOW), the BBC Singers, and trumpeter Alison Balsom. Notable performances include the Moscow Arts Festival, the Passau Festival, and the Organ Gala Launch at the Royal Festival Hall in 2014. More recently, he has played at Freiberg Dom in Germany, the Beaminster Festival, and St John’s, Smith Square, with upcoming concerts in Dublin, Scotland, and a Bach lecture-recital in Marlow.
A Passionate Teacher and Composer
Beyond his performance career, David Goode has been a dedicated teacher, mentoring young musicians and serving on the jury for the St Albans International Organ Festival in 2017. His influence extends into composition, having created numerous choral and organ works, including collaborations with poet Francis Warner. His pieces have been performed by the renowned choirs of King’s and St. John’s Colleges, Cambridge.
His major compositions include the Blitz Requiem, premiered at St Paul’s Cathedral by the Bach Choir and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 2013, and Holy is the True Light, premiered in July 2022. His Violin Sonata is set for its premiere in July 2023.
Critically Acclaimed Recordings
David Goode’s discography is a testament to his artistry. His first solo CD, French Showpieces from King’s (1994), marked the beginning of a series of critically acclaimed releases. His 2004 album The Great Organs of First Church, Vol. 2 was praised by The American Organist, which noted his “fearless command” of the instrument.
His recordings of Max Reger’s works (2004, 2013, 2015) have been widely celebrated, with Choir and Organ remarking, “Finally, there’s a set…that competes with Germani’s 1960s HMV recordings – I thought the day would never come.” In 2019, his complete recording of Bach’s organ works from Trinity College, Cambridge was released on the Signum label, receiving high praise from Gramophone: “David Goode continues to delight and edify in equal measure… notable for the flair, clarity, and spontaneity he brings to this timeless music.” His performance of the Orgelbüchlein was rated as the “Best Recording” by Classical Music magazine.
Continuing to Inspire
David Goode remains at the forefront of the organ music world, both as a performer and a teacher. His influence extends across generations of musicians, and his recordings and compositions continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Whether through concerts, mentoring young talents, or enriching the organ repertoire, he is an indispensable figure in the world of classical music.
