Author of Richter Biography dies at 79
Following a long period of suffering from illness British conductor, and author of the János Richter biography, 79 year old Christopher Fifield has passed away. The tragic news was relayed to the management of the Győr Phil by his son, Andy Fifield. The reputable music historian and our orchestra are connected through the grand heritage of János Richter. As commonly known, the Hungarian edition of Mr. Fifield's Richter biography was published in 2022 under the supervision of GYPO. The book filled a gap in Hungarian music history with its content and in-depth information on the world famous conductor's life. The significant book, translated by Boldizsár Fejérvári, digs deep into a great artist's life and achievements that made an inspiring impact on the best singers, composers, and instrumentalists of his time.
The Richter cult is of primary importance to the Győr Philharmonic Orchestra as much as Mr. Fifield was who had always talked rather affectionately about Hungary's first internationally celebrated, Győr-born conductor János Richter. The monography's ailing author was visited in person in May of 2023 by GYPO's deputy manager Gábor Ősz, and translator Boldizsár Fejérvári. They both received a warm welcome and presented Mr. Fifield a gold-plated coin commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Győr orchestra’s founding.
The friendly gesture was followed by yet another one. The acclaimed professor has in turn presented his visitors with the rare and beautiful gift of a poster printed on silk which was an invite to a concert given by János Richter's mother accompanied on the piano by her own son of 16! This unique item had originally been gifted to Mr. Fifield by the grateful heirs of János Richter for writing and publishing the book on the Maestro. This lovely piece of antiquity was handed over to our representatives on condition that it is to be displayed where it can be seen by the general public now that it makes its way back from London to its place of origin, the city of Győr.
The author's request has since been honored and we keep the memory of him in a special place in our hearts. May he rest in peace! At the same time we herewith encourage everyone to read the late Mr. Fifield's book about our concert hall's name-giver!