Variations on the Plainsong "Vexilla Regis" (Palm Sunday)

Sidney Schofield Campbell (1909-1974) was born in London, and died in Windsor. He was a student of Ernest Bullock and Harold Darke, and served at several cathedrals: Ely, Southwark, Canterbury, and finally at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. He had great enthusiasm for French music, and this clearly heard in the variations.

"Variations on the Plainsong 'Vexilla Regis'" was composed shortly after his appointment to Windsor, and was published by Novello in 1962t). The first variation, which presents the theme, is almost Messiaen like, and recalls such "early" works as "Dieu parmi nous". It is played "detached" and "fortissimo" on the Great. The second variation, marked "meno mosso" is also clearly "French influenced", and features an elaborate descant played by the right hand on the Choir cornet, while the melody is played by the left hand on the Swell by the trumpet. The third variation is an expressive trio which is marked "Largo". The melody appears in the Pedal, and is played on the Swell Oboe with tremulant, coupled to the Pedal at 4' pitch. The fourth variation is marked "animato", and features running "scales" on the Great diapasons, which are coupled to the Swell diapasons and mixtures. The Pedal plays the tune, which is reinforced by the Cor Anglais 16' of the Solo, which makes a significant presence in the sound. The fifth variation, marked "Pomposo" is again very French. It's also very unusual, not only for the writing but for the registration. After some aggressive writing, the Solo tuba makes a brief and unexpected appearance. The sixth, and last variation is marked "Pesante", and is obviously the death march. A dramatic climax is reached, before a flourish and the final crashing chords.