Tributes
“I want to sing the praises of David Fanshawe. His music is literally unique, both in conception and completion. Fanshawe is also deeply concerned lest the folk music of the endangered countries should be lost to future generations. He has made the world his parish; as a notebook he uses a tape recorder, as sketch book a camera.” Antony Hopkins, BBC Radio 3
“David Fanshawe is as buoyant, optimistic, energetic and exuberant as his music.” Herbert Chappell, BBC TV
“David seemed a man out of time - all Englishness, from his shorts and sandals, to his heart of darkness travels, to his ebullient optimism, to his very name. And yet his mastery of sound recording and the technology to preserve the results ensured a legacy worthy of anyone in the modern era. From the moment he stepped on stage dressed for Africa, complete with his trusty Nagra tape recorder and mic on a boom his presentation proved a show-stopper. David's warmth, generosity and musical joie de vivre remain cornerstone memories of my life. Chris Wheatley
“You have inspired us all with your story to go out and find the world for ourselves” St Leonards School, 6th Form
“The word 'unique' is sometimes employed imprecisely, but in David's case it seems to fit exactly - he was certainly not remotely like anyone else I for one have ever known. Some might call his message naive, but it is difficult to see how the world's problems are going to be ameliorated without the love and the tolerance that are at the core of his music. "I love the world!" he said, and really meant it. He saw humankind as a single entity, with a single God at its centre.” Timothy Bond
“Rarely, rarely does the musical world see a composer of such utter originality, vision, humility, and ability to assimilate diverse media and world music into his own, unmistakable voice. As a man David was a gentle giant; as a composer his music inspired and touched the hearts of millions around the world. Our lives have been enriched by knowing the man, his unshakable belief in humanity, his generosity of spirit, his beautiful music and his vision of life as a pulsing, pounding celebration.” Richard Blackford
“David Fanshawe affected so many lives around the globe - his influence is incalculable. His charm, wit, and exuberance made him such a memorable person, and musically, his talent was towering. All who sang his music will never forget it, or him.” Eleanor Skydell, choir member, Chicago
“No doubt he is [now] composing for galaxies. God wish that each of us be so tall, so true, so foolish for joy, so doubtlessly dancing as David Fanshawe.” John S. Hale, United States
“Before Fanshawe, ethnomusicology was an unglamorous profession, now there are many people who want to follow in his footsteps.” The Guardian
“David’s remarkable personality, wonderful sense of the absurd and eccentricity drew me to him and he inspired and helped me in my musical sense and passion to enjoy life at School. His free-wheeling joyous and infectious spirit was always something to enjoy as was the serious contemplative side” Tim Cecil, Stowe school friend, now in Melbourne
“After the concert, David was charming, if a tad frazzled from having to say hello to so many people! I got the impression though, that he lived his life this way.” Jenny