March on Easter Themes

Mark Andrews (March 31, 1875-December 10, 1939) was born in England Lincolnshire, Gainsborough, England and died in Montclair, New Jersey in the USA.

He studied with John Thomas Ruch and was appointed organist of Farmingham Parish Church, Surrey in 1895. He emigrated to the US on Oct. 4, 1903, moving to Montclair, New Jersey, and became organist of the First Congregational Church in Montclair, where he served from 1917 until 1938.

He published a number of organ works, including two large sonatas.

"March on Easter Themes" was published in 1910 by the H. W. Gray Co. as "Number 17" in their large "St. Cecilia Series". It is: "Dedicate to Mr. Charles H. Tissington, Montclair".

The work begins with a pleasantly pompous march that sounds rather "nautical," as if you were being "piped aboard!" There is no evident Easter theme here, but the big theme will appear later.

The next section is based upon the 15th century French melody, "O filii et filiae" - "O sons and daughters, let us sing".

The opening material briefly returns, leading directly into a sort of "fanfare" based upon Palestrina's "The strife is o'er". Before long, there is a rather surprising change in key and dynamics.

A sort of cadenza now appears, which leads back to the opening march, which is now used to harmonize, "Jesus Christ is ris'n today".

Andrews refers to this tune as "Worgan", as it is sometimes attributed to John Worgan (1724-1790). Originally this tune appeared in the John Walsh collection, "Lyra Davidica" (1708).

Regardless of name or origin, the march material does an excellent job of harmonizing and decorating the melody.

The "Strife is o'er" returns again, this time riding above an active pedal part, played upon the full organ.

A brief Coda brings the piece to a joyous and grandiose conclusion.

The score is attached below, as well as a photo of Mark Andrews, and a photo of First Congregational Church in Montclair, New Jersey.