Song Without Words

Dr Ferris Tozer (b 1857), organist, tenor vocalist and composer was born in Exeter in 1857, possibly the son of John Tozer. He was a chorister at Exeter Cathedral, and a pupil of Alfred Angel and DJ Wood. At the age of eighteen he was appointed organist of St David's Exeter, and in 1882 at St Michael's Heavitree, Exeter. He graduated Mus. Bac. from Oxford in 1891, and in 1895 graduated with a Doctorate in Music from Oxford on the strength of his oratorio, Baalam and Barak.

Tozer was possibly a "substitute" organist at Exeter Cathedral. Although he is sometimes called "organist of Exeter Cathedral," that information is not substantiated, as he is not listed on the "official" list of organists serving at the cathedral.

His day job was as an employee at the Devon and Cornwall Bank, Exeter.

"Song without Words" can be found in "The Organist's Quarterly Journal, Volume 9".

It is a nice piece, with a good melodic sense and shape to it. It is very conservative and has a LOT of notes, making for a rather fussy execution. :-)

The score is attached below, as well as a photo of James Ferris Tozer, and of St. David's Church, Exeter, and St. Michael and All Angels, Heavitree, Exeter, two churches at which he served as organist.