Five Pieces (The Solo Organist, Book II)

English organist and composer Edward Reginald Herbert Goss-Custard (March 29, 1877 - June 13, 1956) was born at St Leonards-on-Sea and was largely self-taught. His brother Harry Goss-Custard was organist at Liverpool Cathedral. He held a series of organist posts in London and gave fortnightly recitals at the Bishopsgate Institute. He died in 1956. His organ compositions include Chelsea Fayre, Elégie, Idyll, a March in F, a Fantasia in F and a Serenade in A. There are also many arrangements for organ, including Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker and a series of overtures - Beethoven's Egmont, Bizet's Carmen, Hérold's Zampa, Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, Suppé's Poet and Peasant, the Adagio from Vivaldi's Concerto in G minor, and Weber's Der Freischütz.

Goss-Custard did not have formal musical study but developed his skill “on the job” at several London churches, among them St Margaret’s, Westminster, the Parish Church of the House of Commons, where he succeeded Edwin H Lemare. He is still remembered for his many popular recitals at the Alexandra Palace and his many organ pieces and transcriptions.

"The Solo Organist" series was published by Reid Bros. Ltd. in 1913. Works by Goss-Custard make up the second volume.

The first "Berceuse" is a gently-rocking lullaby in E-flat, with lovely solo colors. The second, "Caprice" is a tricky, light-hearted scherzo in F. The third, "Spring Song" is a rich, salon-type piece, featuring a "violin solo" and expressive dialogues in the key of B minor/D major. The fourth, "Romance" is the perfect "period piece," again featuring solo colors with a well-managed crescendo in G.
The fifth, "March in F" is an exciting work, of the period, but with some individualistic harmonic touches. The final pedal point is spectacular, and the tuba toots bring home the victory in triumph.

The score is attached below, as well as two photos of Goss-Custard, as well as photos of St. Margaret's, Westminster, and of the Great Hall at Bishopgate Institute.