(Credit: Hyperion Records)

On August 27, 2024, Howard Crook died at the age of 77.

Born in Rutherford, New Jersey, Crook studied at the Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, and then at the University of Illinois.

Following his university studies, he worked in the theatre and later became a professional singer after winning second prizes in vocal competitions.

Throughout his career, he specialized in early music and has performed and recorded with the leading conductors. Among the pieces that he was renowned for were Leclair’s “Scylla et Glaucus,” Berlioz’s “Les nuits d’été,” Bach’s “St Matthew Passion,” Händel’s “Messiah” and Henry Purcell’s “The Fairy-Queen.” He also performed Lully’s “Atys,” “Armide,” and “Alceste” and Rameau’s “Castor et Pollux” and “Pygmalion.”

Crook was also a recognized teacher who worked at the CNR conservatory in Paris and was well known for his masterclasses in Early Music.