Grand Chœur in D Major, Op. 22, No. 11

Ernest Halsey was born in Battersea, London in April of 1876. He was Organist of Anerley Congregational Church, London, around 1903.

Halsey was also a stockbroker. He died at Marylebone, London on June 20th, 1939.

Today he is most remember for his fine "Toccata."

"Grand Chœur in D Major" can be found in "The Organ Loft," published by the Vincent Music. Co. Ltd. in 1909. It appears as there is "No. 170."

The piece is marked to be played: "Allegro alla marcia". I've tried to follow the "phrasing" as Halsey gives it, although he's not clear as to exactly what he wants.

The form is A-B-A, and decidedly robust and "English" in nature, with it's confident swagger and extroverted manner.

The central section is softer, but not slower, and leads back to the return of the opening material. I've followed Halsey's "scheme" for registration, but I confess that I "cranked it up" more here and there... ;-)

The three pieces I've uploaded today make for the complete volume of the "The Organ Loft", Book LVI, June 1909.

The score is attached below, as well as a drawing of Anerley Congregational Church in London, where Halsey was organist.