Variations on a Bass (Two Pieces for Organ, No. 1)

Richard Henry Coleman (3 April 1888 – 17 February 1965) was a cathedral organist, whose career culminated in his service at Peterborough Cathedral from 1921-1944.

Richard Henry Pinwill Coleman was born on 3 April 1888 in Dartmouth. He was a chorister in St George's Church, Ramsgate before going to Denstone College. He studied organ under Sydney Nicholson at Carlisle Cathedral and Manchester Cathedral.

His positions held are as follows:

Assistant Organist of:
Manchester Cathedral 1908–1912

Organist of:
St. Mary the Virgin, Blackburn 1912–1914
St Columb's Cathedral 1914–1920
Peterborough Cathedral 1921–1944
Hatfield Parish Church 1947–1948
All Saints' Church, Eastbourne 1949–1959
Chapel Royal, Brighton

I really admire by Coleman, because he was an "unpretentious" man. He did not have a "fancy background" as most of his colleagues did. He was who he was, and this is reflected in the finely crafted and highly "approachable" music that he composed. Many of his compositions were intended "for" what he would have called, the "village organist."

The "Two Pieces for Organ" were published in the "Novello Organ Club" Series, and are dated February 1958. The composer has included a few notes about performing the variations.

Despite a great variety of color and dynamic changes, there is always a feeling of reverence for "English early music" in the writing. Whether loud or soft, there is a sense of "delicacy" in many of the 16 variations.

The work is dedicated "To Patrick Williams," and the score is attached below.