Elegiac Prelude

George John Bennett, Mus.Doc. (5 May 1863 –1930) was an English cathedral organist and composer, who served in Lincoln Cathedral from 1895.

George John Bennett was born on 5 May 1863 in Andover, Hampshire. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music under G.A. Macfarren and C. Steggall, and also abroad, in Berlin under H. Barth (piano) and F. Kiel (composition) as well as in Munich (1885-1887) under H. Bussmeyer (piano) and Josef Rheinberger (composition).

Before coming to Lincoln, Bennett served as organist of St. John's Church, Pimlico. I looked for information about this church, which was undoubtedly an Anglo-Catholic parish, but it seems to be another church long gone...

To read about the construction of the Lincoln Cathedral Willis, the last "Father Willis" organ, and one of only two, "real" surviving cathedral Willis organs, you can read here:
https://lincolncathedral.com/worship-music/organ/

"Elegiac Prelude" was published by Novello in 1921. I only have this music, and some others that I will be uploading (as well as items that I have already shared) because of a good friend who has access to this music, and shares it with me.

If you have ANY interest in English organ music, KEEP THESE SCORES! You'll NEVER find them again...

"Elegaic Prelude" is dedicated: "(In Memoriam M. B.)." I believe that this is written in memory of his wife, Marion, who died on Christmas Day, 1919.

It's a highly-charged emotional work, dark and somberly-rich. Rising to several climaxes, but always maintaining the tone of deep sorrow...

But then, at the very end, the sun breaks through the gloom, and the final phrases are of the must sublime peace and release, which only comes on the long-awaited final chord.

So, when you come to what you THOUGHT was the end, wait! There is hope after all, and you'll feel that here.

The valuable score is attached below, as well photos of John Bennett's grave and family memorial, as well as photos of the most magnificent Lincoln Cathedral.