Scherzo in A

Ernest Markham Lee (June 8, 1874, Cambridge - November 13, 1956 - Eastbourne) was an English composer, author, lecturer, pianist and organist.

He was born in where he was educated at the Perse School and Emmanuel College (he was taught by Charles Wood).

Ernest Markham Lee was involved in much useful activity as Professor of Organ at the Guildhall School of Music, Extension Lecturer to Oxford, Cambridge and London Universities, as Examiner to the Associated Board and the Royal Schools of Music in which capacity he visited Canada, New Zealand, India, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Malta and Jamaica, as festival adjudicator and as Organist at All Saints, Woodford Green.

These two compositions were published in 1925 by J. B. Cramer & Co. Ltd. as part of "Cramer's Library of Organ Music by British Composers."

"Scherzo in A" is really something of a "mini-tour de force," and to play it, you'll need to be quick! Quick of feet and fingers, as well as quick with those infernal buttons!

The result is grandiose, but still light-hearted, and the bold modulations really stand out, consider that the harmonies are very "conventional".

The outer sections frame as softer, but not slower, middle section, and there is a brief Coda at the end. The Solo tuba toots a bit before the close on the Full organ.

I could find no photos of E. Markahm Lee, but I did find a few shots of All Saints Church, Woodford Green, the church where he worked.

Unfortunately, it appears that they no longer have an organ, organist or "choir," with what appears to be a regular use of a praise band...

It amazes me to see just how many churches that were formerly served by famous musicians no longer use the organ - assuming that the church itself is even in existence.

I have not included the score because it is on the large side. However, I WILL be glad to scan it and send it if anyone is interested in having it. :-)