Postlude in A-flat

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.

"Postlude in A-flat" appears in "Thirty Postludes for Organ", edited by William C. Carl, and published by Oliver Ditson Company in 1900. I don't know, but I doubt if this was not published in England before this, and then "selected" for this collection.

The work is brief, only 3 pages, but still makes a nice statement. Textures and thematic material are nicely managed, and the writing is bold, culminating in a final grand unison.

It's a bit tricky in spots, but gets easier if your not "nervous" as you negotiate the quick manual changes.

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!