Postlude in C Major

Henry Thomas Smart (26 October 1813 – 6 July 1879) was an English organist and composer.

Smart was born in London, a nephew of the conductor Sir George Smart and son of a music publisher, orchestra director and accomplished violinist (also called Henry Smart). He was educated at Highgate School, and then studied for the law, but soon gave this up for music.

In 1831, Smart became organist of Blackburn parish church, where he wrote his first important work, an anthem; then of St Giles-without-Cripplegate; St Luke's, Old Street; and finally of St Pancras New Church, in 1864, which last post he held at the time of his death, less than a month after receiving a government pension of £100 per annum. Smart was also skilled as a mechanic, and designed several organs. He was also invited by William Sterndale Bennett to join the Committee of his Bach Society leading to the first English performance of Bach's St Matthew Passion in 1854.

Though highly rated as a composer by his English contemporaries, Smart is now largely forgotten, save for his hymn tune "Regent Square", which retains considerable popularity. His many compositions for the organ (some of which have been occasionally revived in recent years) were described as "effective and melodious, if not strikingly original" by the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica, which also praised his part songs.

In the last 15 years of his life, Smart was practically blind. He composed by dictation, primarily to his daughter Ellen, who was married to Joseph Joachim's brother Henry Joachim. Smart died at his residence near Primrose Hill in London in July 1879.

Smart's works are always solid and usually technically demanding. He wrote in traditional, developed forms, and never "effect music."

The "Postlude in C Major" is one of his best known works.

The score is attached below, as well as photos and drawings of Henry Smart, and some of the churches at which he served as organist.