Fanfare

Joseph Cox Bridge (1853-1929) was an English organist and composer. Born at Rochester, Kent, studied under John Hopkins and his elder brother, Frederick, who later became organist of Westminster Abbey.

From 1871 to 1876 he was organist of Exeter College, Oxford, and received his Mus. B. in 1876. In 1877 he became organist of Chester Cathedral. There he revived the Chester triennial festival. In 1908 he became a professor at the University of Durham.

His works include an oratorio, "Daniel" (1885); a "Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in C", for voice and orchestra (1879); and a considerable amount of organ-music, anthems, and part-songs.

He was the brother of the much more well-known Sir Frederick C. Bridge (1844-1924).

"Fanfare" is taken from "Original Compositions" published by Weekes and Co., and "Inscribed to J. B. Miller, Ffolliett House, Chester". It is the sixth and final piece in collection.

I did this piece "for" All Saints' Day, althought there is no actual connection.

It is something of a cross between a fanfare and sort of toccata. I think it is most reminiscent of the famous "Fanfare" by Jacques-Nicolas Lemmens (1823-1881). In my opinion, this work by Bridge is "better" than the one by Lemmens, but tastes will vary. :-)

It is a brilliant work that would make an extremely effective postlude.

Doing it on the Armley Schulze require some "adjustments" in terms of the registration, but the sound is very heroic, which is why I chose this instrument.

The score, courtesy of Dr. John Henderson, is attached below. (Please note that there are two pages missing from another piece in the collection. I will check with John to see if he has them!). Also attached are some photos of Joseph Cox Bridge, one of his brother, Sir Frederick Bridge, and some of Chester Cathedral, where Joseph was organist from 1877 until 1925. Also take a look at the splendid memorial to him in the cathedral.