Improvisation on "Lux benigna"

Percy Eastman Fletcher, was born in Derby on 12 December 1879 and died on 10 December 1932 at the early age of 52. He took lessons on violin, piano and organ, the former being his most important instrument. Like a number of his composer contemporaries, he made his living as a Musical Director in the London theater world, fulfilling this position successively at the Prince of Wales, Savoy, Daly's, Drury Lane and from, 1915 until his death, His Majesty's Theatre.

His creative activity was however by no means confined to the theater. There were ballads and songs, ad a considerable amount for chorus,as well as sacred works, "The Passion of Christ" (1922), one of the best of those sacred cantatas for small church choirs.

Fletcher wrote a large number of suites for light orchestras, and many fine, now forgotten, orchestral works.

Most of Fletcher's piano music was arranged from orchestral scores, but there are several fine works, originally for piano solo.

He also composed quite widely for organ. An Interlude of 1901 is probably his earliest dated publication, while later works include the two most famous of his organ works, both dating from 1915, "Festival Toccata" and the always exquisite, "Fountain Reverie."

"Improvisation on 'Lux benigna'" is found in "Hymn-Tune Voluntaries Part III", published by J. Curwen & Sons Ltd. in 1906.

The tune was composed by the Rev. John B. Dykes (1823-1876) and the text by Cardinal John Henry Newman (1801-1890).

This piece is the sort of thing that appears as "nothing" on paper, but can really be made into something that sings and comes to life.

For me, it's always far better if I just "do it," since it becomes less natural if I "work it out" too carefully.

I included the text in the First Comment. I have always found these words to be shattering in their beauty - both in their hope and in their sorrow and remorse, expressed so humbly and humanly.

The score and photos of Fletcher, Dykes and Newman are attached below.