Offertoire in the style of Lefébure-Wély

William Faulkes (1863-1933), composer,
organist, pianist, arranger, recitalist, teacher, chamber musician, conductor, musical organizer. Remarkably, for a composer so fluent and prolific, Faulkes was consistently omitted from the major dictionaries of music. From time to time, he is found in smaller more specific dictionaries at times, and is sometimes described as a leader of the modern English school of organ playing; or a leading composer of the English romantic school of organ playing.

Born in Liverpool, at the age of 10 became a chorister at St. Margaret's Church, Anfield, which was the largest brick church in England, and had the largest organ in Liverpool. At the age of 18, he was appointed organist of St. John's, Tue Brook, and five years later returned to St. Margaret's. He had a fine all-male (all volunteer) choir, and the level of musical excellence at the church was significant. As an organist, he was a brilliant performer, and earned the admiration of the leading British organist of the time, W. T. Best.

"Offertoire in the style of Lefébure-Wély" was published by Schott & Co. in 1895. It is dedicated "To C.W. Bridson Esq, A.R.C.O. (Organist of the Parish Church, Rainhill.)"

In this work Faulkes pays homage to the very popular Louis-James-Alfred Lefébure-Wély (13 November 1817 – 31 December 1869). Here again, we see Faulkes writing in a completely "different" manner than would be assumed to come from the pen of an English organist.

The work is brilliant with great energy and drive, and the variation of dynamics and energy keep the listener and player on the go from start to finish.

The work is "popular" in its appeal, and really does go to show the way-under-praised William Faulkes, called by many "the father of modern English organ playing."

The score is attached below, some photos of Faulkes, of St. Margaret's Church, Anfield, and of Lefébure-Wély. Also attached is one of the Parish Church, Rainhill, where the dedicatee, C.W. Bridson served.