Variations on "Hark! the Herald Angels sing!"

Charles Joseph Frost (June 20, 1848-October 13, 1918) was a pupil of his father at Tewkesbury Abbey, and of George Cooper, Sir John Goss (St. Paul's Cathedral, London) and Charles Steggall.

From 1865 he held various appointments as organist, the last being at St. Peter's, Brockley, beginning in 1884). There he founded a choral society in 1845. He received his Mus. Bac. in 1877, and his Mus. Doc., Cantab. in 1882, and was a Fellow of the College of Organists. He gave many concerts, recitals and lectures.

As a composer he wrote cantatas, oratorios, a symphony, and numerous organ pieces.

I had originally planned to do my the "Fantasy on two well-known Christmas Carols" by John West as my "Christmas upload," but when I needed a demo for the new Redlands Casavant, I learned it and uploaded it as quickly as I could. So, I needed to find another one for Christmas. I was looking for something worth playing, relatively (or completely) unknown, and substantial in scope. This is what I found...

"Variations on 'Hark! the Herald-Angels sing!'" was published by Novello. It consists of an Introduction, theme, and 11 variations. Each variation explores a different compositional idea. The style of the music certainly shows strong associations with the writings of Mendelssohn, who was a very significant influence on the English world at the time, but Frost finds many creative ways to "work out" this theme, originally taken from a chorus by Mendelssohn, and the overall effect is grand and satisfying.

The score is attached below, as well as a photo of Charles Frost, and two of his final church position at St. Peter's, Brockley.

Individual variations timings are given in the First Comment.

I have some very attractive and interesting carol "medlies" to share over the next few days, and will include the scores with each of them.

I wish everyone all the blessings of the season.

Peace to All!