There are still many Canadian musicians who recall Willan as Professor of Music at the University of Toronto; some remember him as a guest lecturer, adjudicator, private teacher of organ, theory, composition, and music history. And at the same time, a few in academia may even recall him as administrator: as Vice Principal of the Toronto Conservatory. By now, few people probably think of Healey Willan as an organ recitalist and collaborative pianist. But he was a very fine keyboard player who played and accompanied many recitals over his long career.
By reputation, perhaps Willan is best known as the Organist & Choirmaster, indeed, the Precentor of St Mary Magdalene’s in Toronto from the 1920s through the 1960s. The reputation of his tenure there is so great, and perhaps Willan’s love of the place was so intense, that it tends to overshadow his many other achievements. And, as important as his church work was, there was much more that he accomplished to cement his reputation as “Dean of Canadian Composers.” Healey Willan was the first Canadian to compose a Symphony, for example.
In 1880, the year of Willan’s birth, Victoria was at the height of her reign, and the British Empire included roughly a quarter of the world’s population. The Industrial Revolution was in full swing, and the middle class was on the increase. The nation was at peace and enjoyed great prosperity. Healey Willan was born into this cultural milieu, and for the rest of his life it colored his outlook.
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