Nocturne in E Minor

Ernest Halsey was born in Battersea, London in April of 1876. He was Organist of Anerley Congregational Church, London, around 1903.

Halsey was also a stockbroker. He died at Marylebone, London on June 20th, 1939.

Today he is most remember for his fine "Toccata."

"Nocturne in E Minor" can be found in "The Organ Loft, Volume 55" published by the Vincent Music. Co. Ltd. in 1909. It appears there as "No. 165."

This nocturne is quite "individualistic" written in a manner that is effective, although perhaps not what you might expect from a nocturne, although, what exactly should you expect from a piece named as such?!?

The colors are all rich and rather dark, and there is some nice contrast between the sections and ideas.

I suppose you can't call Halsey a "real" or even "professional" composer, considering that music wasn't his "job." However, I always have found something of interest in his works, as I hope you will find in this one. :-)

The score is attached below, as well as a drawing of Anerley Congregational Church in London, where Halsey was organist.