Idylle

Charles Joseph Frost (June 20, 1848-October 13, 1918) was a pupil of his father at Tewkesbury Abbey, and of George Cooper, Sir John Goss (St. Paul's Cathedral, London) and Charles Steggall.

From 1865 he held various appointments as organist, the last being at St. Peter's, Brockley, beginning in 1884). There he founded a choral society in 1845. He received his Mus. Bac. in 1877, and his Mus. Doc., Cantab. in 1882, and was a Fellow of the College of Organists. He gave many concerts, recitals and lectures.

He was a professor at the Guildhall, and a well-known recitalist.

As a composer he wrote cantatas, oratorios, a symphony, and numerous organ pieces.

Many English composers wrote idylles (pastorales). This one by Frost, while not astonishing, has it's own charm and a rather distinctive style.

Only four registrations are given, and these are "followed," although because of the sound of the Hereford Willis, the "way" I did it is different.

If you're looking at the score, you'll see the first thing called for is "Sw. Diapasons" and these are used. Next it calls for the "Oboe," and in this performance, the Solo Orchestral Oboe covers all of the oboe spots. Next, the "Horn" is called for. I've used the Swell Trumpet along with both the open and stopped diapasons, that are already drawn. The Hereford trumpet is very "neutral" in the lower registers, and does excellent work as the horn. Finally, the "Clarabella" is called for. The Hereford Clarabella is WAY too big, so I've used the Great Stopped Diapason, and later the Swell Stopped Diapason takes over towards the end, as things quiet down.

Not a remarkable registrational pallette, but still tricky to get right.

The score is attached below, as well as signed photo of Charles Frost. Included also are photos of Tewksbury Abbey, where his father was organist, as well as some of the churches were Frost served as organist.

MORE Frost tomorrow!