Overture Fantastique

Gatty Sellars (1887-1938) was described during his career as “the world’s greatest descriptive organist.” He played on radio and in films, and was filmed playing his "At the Temple Gates," at Central Hall, Westminster, which you can see on youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJxhIVdCX98

A few days ago, our member Dabchurch was kind enough to send me a piece of music by William Faulkes. In his message, he asked if I'd ever come across the music of Gatty Sellers. I mentioned that I had only heard of him in passing. I actually learned of him from an upload by Steve Schlesing (Keys 61), where Sellars was the arranger:

http://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/10818

So, I liked these pieces, which I guess are "on the border" between theater and classical, but they ARE music, and you can make them work with a little effort.

The "Overture Fantastique" was published in 1916, and is dedicated "To Frederick Hodges, Esq.". It's not exactly what I would think of as an "overture" type of piece, but it's quite exciting.

It begins with a loud "fanfare-ish" section in the key of E, which leads directly into a softer section, using the same thematic material reworked. It's now in the key of C, and features a nasty "piccolo part" in continuous 16th notes. This leads into a "Con grazia" section in the key of G, which features a sort of "soft march," using interplay between the swell and the Solo clarinet. It is the longest section of the piece. The opening material returns, leading directly into a short, accelerating coda played on FULL organ. It's an exciting dash to the finish, and the tuba and 32' Bombarde make themselves heard!

It's different from what some of you may like, and I doubt if too many play this "sort" of thing, but I liked doing it, and am pleased with how it came out.

This upload is dedicated to Dabchurch, who steered me to take a look at Gatty Sellars. THANK YOU, David!

The score is attached below, as well as a photo of Gatty Sellars.