Postlude in E-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 E-flat" was also published by J. B. Millet Co. in 1896.

It's actually rather interesting in the way Frost achieves contrast. The opening section in E-flat is "standard" enough, and written in 3/4 time.

When we arrive at the middle section, Frost takes us to A-flat, featuring a chorale-like theme in the right hand, and constantly moving scale patterns in the left, sort of in the manner of English change ringing. The most striking thing is this section is in 4/4 time, which gives a completely different feel from the first section.

These passages modulate directly back to E-flat, and the meter changes back to 3/4 as in the opening. The material is somewhat varied from the beginning, and there is a sort of coda at the end.

The registration is full, but certainly NOT full organ. I had to restrain myself from adding 32' pedal and Solo tuba, but somehow, I managed to control myself! :-)

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.