| Description: | Wilfrid James Emery (1904-1963) was organist of Glasgow Cathedral. He published "3 Hymn Tune Preludes", a "Christmas Prelude on "Endris Night'" and a "Paean" (I have it, and hope to do it soon!)
This is the only information I could find about him.
He is not to be confused with Walter James Emery (1909-1974), who was a London organist, and did a lot of editing and arranging for Novello, but published no original organ works.
The "Hymn-Prelude on the Tune "Hannover" (O worship the King) was published by J. B. Cramer & Co. Ltd. in 1953. It is without dedication.
For a piece that lasts just under 4 minutes, this is a BIG piece! In both sound, and motion, it drives forward from start to finish, sweeping the listener along, and always keeping the excitement and interest up.
There is a fair amount of what I'd call "sticky passage work," and is the sort of thing I'd have to play if I was feeling nervous, as I think it could easily get away from you.
One of the features of the piece is that it sets the famous tune "off beat," with the accents not always falling in the "correct spot." This adds to the tension.
Speaking of this great tune, it is by William Croft (1678-1727), who was organist of Westminster Abbey.
While the harmony is "English cathedral (or I should say, Scottish cathedral!) through and through, there are some important dissonances which also drive the piece along to it's triumphant conclusion.
As I said, for a piece a little shy of 4 minutes, it is a big, big effect, resembling a mini-fantasia, perhaps by a composer such as C. H. H. Parry.
I dedicate this performance to my good friend, Leon1949Green! Leon, I will be rooting for you on Christ the King Sunday!
The score is attached below, as well the specification of the Glasgow Cathedral organ, most of which is as it was when Emery was there.
Also included is a painting of William Croft, and a few shots of Glasgow Cathedral. |
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