Caprice, Op. 96

William Faulkes (1863-1933), composer, organist, pianist, arranger, recitalist, teacher, chamber musician, conductor, musical organizer. Remarkably, for a composer so fluent and prolific, Faulkes was consistently omitted from the major dictionaries of music. From time to time, he is found in smaller more specific dictionaries at times, and is sometimes described as a leader of the modern English school of organ playing; or a leading composer of the English romantic school of organ playing.

Born in Liverpool, at the age of 10 became a chorister at St. Margaret's Church, Anfield, which was the largest brick church in England, and had the largest organ in Liverpool. At the age of 18, he was appointed organist of St. John's, Tue Brook, and five years later returned to St. Margaret's. He had a fine all-male (all volunteer) choir, and the level of musical excellence at the church was significant. As an organist, he was a brilliant performer, and earned the admiration of the leading British organist of the time, W. T. Best.

"Caprice" was published by Bosworth in 1907 and is dedicated: "To Clarence Eddy, Esq." Eddy (1851-1937) was a student of Guilmant, and one of the leading American organists of his day.

This gem of a piece essentially features two stops on the Echowerk: the wonderful Flöte travers (which you hear in the 1st & 3rd sections), and the delightful Liebl. Gedeckt, in the central section.

The left hand melody in that central section is played on the Gemshorn with Tremulant on the Seitenwerk, and the Pedale is the Bordun 16' & Gedecktflöte 8' of the Hauptwerk, coupled down.

The effect in the framing sections is perfect with that SO "realistic" sounding Flöte travers fluttering happily along!

The "balance" is sometimes hard to manage in the middle section, but that is part of the charm/challenge of the instrument.

By the way, when it's over - WAIT - for the last chord (after LONG pause), played on the Aeoline of the Echowerk!

Score and photos below.