Impromptu in A Major

Arthur Murray Goodhart (christened 25 July 1866 – 1941) was a British composer and organist. He was born in Wimbledon, Surrey, England in 1866, and was educated at Eton College and then King's College, Cambridge, where he was a member of the Pitt Club. He was a pupil of Sir Joseph Barnby, Dr George M. Garrett, Dr Charles W. Pearce, C. Forsyth, and Frank Bridge. He Taught classics at Eton School, and was a housemaster there.

As a composer, he wrote orchestral, organ, and piano pieces, songs, carols, military band music.

"Impromptu in A Major" was published by Novello in 1906. It was included later in a "Wedding Album," also published by Novello.

From the little research that I did, it appears that Goodhart wrote quite a bit of solo organ music, but it seems that all of it has virtually just disappeared. Another "organ composer" just vanished away into distant history...

"Impromptu in A Major" is a delightful scamper. It's quick, and requires a light and agile approach. Though completely "organistic," it made me think of some of those little "piano minatures," perhaps by someone like Schumann.

I dedicate this piece with friendship and admiration to EdoL. MANY THANKS, Edo!

The score is attached below, as well as a photo of Arthur Goodhart, and one of the chapel of King's College, Cambridge.

More large-scale works by Rowley and Faulkes coming soon! :-)