Nocturne

Bernard Jackson (b. 1869) was organist at the People's Palace in the Mile End Road, London, as well as organist at Christ Church, Battersea and of St. Giles', Crippelgate, both in London as well.

He wrote in several journals and published a number of organ works.

"Nocturne" was published by The Vincent Music Co. Ltd. in 1907 as "No. 99" in their "The Organ Loft" series. It is dedicated: "To Malcolm Johnston, Esq."

It is another one of those "town hall specials," and is a delicate, exquisitely written recital work depicting the calm of an evening sunset where the sky is filled with pastel colors, gently washing together.

The featured solo voices are the oboe of the Swell, both with and without tremulant and the sub-octave coupler, as well as the Solo clarinet.

You'll need to judge your use of the Swellbox carefully, and also pay attention to the "staccato" chords in the left hand, which must always have a light, yet expressive touch.

There is one moment of a "piston pushing tour de force," as the last 2 measures feature 7 pushes while playing, as the music shows one last "sunburst" before settling down and dissolving in the hushed afterglow.

Bernard Jackson also wrote what appears to be an "insane" set of variations on the famous hymn-tune, "Nicea" (Holy, holy, holy) which is also in "The Organ Loft," so, maybe I'll give that one a try if and when I'm feeling bored and/or brave! :-)

The score is attached below, as well as photos of Christ Church, Battersea (before and after it was destroyed by a V-2 rocket in WW 2), and two photos of St. Giles', Crippelgate.