Finale in E-flat, Op. 128, No. 6

William Faulkes (1863-1933), composer, organist, pianist, arranger, recitalist, teacher, chamber musician, conductor, musical organizer. Remarkably, for a composer so fluent and prolific, Faulkes was consistently omitted from the major dictionaries of music. From time to time, he is found in smaller more specific dictionaries – or perhaps more correctly, directories from the late 19th and early 20th century. In these, Faulkes is sometimes described as a leader of the modern English school of organ playing; or a leading composer of the English romantic school of organ playing.

Born in Liverpool, at the age of 10 became a chorister at St. Margaret's Church, Anfield, which was the largest brick church in England, and had the largest organ in Liverpool. At the age of 18, he was appointed organist of St. John's, Tue Brook, and five years later returned to St. Margaret's. He had a fine all-male (all volunteer) choir, and the level of musical excellence at the church was significant. As an organist, he was a brilliant performer, and earned the admiration of the leading British organist of the time, W. T. Best.

Well now, if you are looking for an "audition piece," or a grand postlude, THIS is your item!

Published by Schmidt in 1909, "Finale" is dedicated "To Edward Kreiser, Esq." (1869-1916), an American organist and student of Guilmant.

This piece has all the heroic flourishes and Victorian "swagger" that could want, and all this is set off by the delightful "Trio" which combines melodic and harmonic interest nicely.

Of all the Faulkes works that I have done to date, it would be hard to top this one by any of the others!

My friends, and our members, "adrianw" and "Dabchurch" both sent me the score for this piece, so, Adrian & David, I dedicate this with pleasure to BOTH of you!

The score is attached below, as well as two photos of William Faulkes, and two, including a NEW one, of St. Margaret's Church, Anfield.

MORE Fabulous Faulkes COMING SOON!!!