Nocturne in A

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.

(This upload has been "lightly normalized," but you may still need to increase your listening volume.)

"Nocturne in A" was published by Novello in 1903. It is dedicated: "To Ernest G. Welsh, Esq.," who was organist of All Saint's Church, Ryde (Isle of Wight) from 1913-1929 and again from 1934-1946.

It is a very expressive work, featuring the "standard" Faulkes registrations - Swell Oboe, Vox Humana, Solo flute, etc.

This piece is far from simple! The opening oboe solo is played at the end in "chords" upon the Vox Humana while a soft, high, solo flute adorns this with a descant. The difficulty is in the "legato density" of the left hand, which is now in widely-stretched chords which outline and harmonize the initial melody.

The score is attached, as well as photos of Faulkes and St. Margaret's Church, Anfield, as well as a photo of All Saint's Church, Ryde, where the dedicatee was organist.