Richard Wayne Dirksen
1921 - 2003
Biography
Richard Wayne Dirksen (1921–2003) was an American organist, conductor, and composer closely associated with Washington National Cathedral. Born in Freeport, Illinois, he studied organ at the Peabody Conservatory with Virgil Fox and graduated magna cum laude in 1942. That same year he began his long relationship with the cathedral, interrupted by military service during the Second World War.
Dirksen later served as associate organist and choirmaster, organist and choirmaster, and precentor of Washington National Cathedral. His responsibilities joined musical leadership with the planning of worship, and he wrote extensively for the cathedral's choirs, organ, and ceremonial life. His catalog includes nearly 300 sacred and theatrical works.
Among his hymn tunes is INNISFREE FARM, which appears with "Christ, Mighty Savior" as one of the settings in The Hymnal 1982. The tune is one example of Dirksen's substantial contribution to modern American church music and congregational song.
Dirksen later served as associate organist and choirmaster, organist and choirmaster, and precentor of Washington National Cathedral. His responsibilities joined musical leadership with the planning of worship, and he wrote extensively for the cathedral's choirs, organ, and ceremonial life. His catalog includes nearly 300 sacred and theatrical works.
Among his hymn tunes is INNISFREE FARM, which appears with "Christ, Mighty Savior" as one of the settings in The Hymnal 1982. The tune is one example of Dirksen's substantial contribution to modern American church music and congregational song.
Hymns by Richard Wayne Dirksen
Christ, Mighty Savior
Role: Composer