Chœur in F, Op. 17 No. 1

George Vincent (1855-1928) was the brother of Charles Vincent (1852-1934), the composer who has already been featured in a number of my uploads.

The entire family were organists, as the father was also an organist. A third son, H. S. Vincent (1861-1935) was an organ builder based in Sunderland.

George Frederick Vincent studied at the Leipzig Conservatory, 1874-76, under Dr Karl Reinecke, Dr Robert Papperitz and Ernst Friedrich E. Richter. Organist of Sunderland Parish Church, 1872-74; St. Mary’s Parish Church, Whitburn, 1877-82; St. Thomas’, Sunderland, 1882-1900; St. Michael’s, Cornhill, London's, the same position held by Harold Darke for many years, who succeeded Vincent.

"Chœur in F" is the first work in "Pieces in Various Styles," published by W. J. Willcocks & Co. It is dedicated: "To his brother, H. Sherborne Vincent."

Despite the fact that the harmonic language is conservative, the music is idiomatic, and makes the organ sound good, the Peterborough Hill being an ideal vehicle for the music.

This is a sectional work which begins with a grand chorus, featuring staccato chords and a big dynamic. This leads directly into a central section, which has tremendous contrast, and delightful colors, particularly in the rapid figurations for the Solo concert flute.
This movement leads directly back into the opening material, but because I took the central section slightly slower, I've "bridged back" to the concluding section's tempo with a slight acceleration back to full speed. The opening material returns, but the registration is grander now, and the final passages bring us all the way up to full organ, including the opening of the Solo tuba, which has been closed under expression.

More Vincent music coming soon! :-)

The score is attached below, as well as several photos of St. Michael's, Cornhill, as well as the specification of the organ there, which I believe is the same one Vincent played.