Allegro marziale

Harold Walter Greenhill (1902-1978) was a blind organist in London. He served at St. Columba's, Walthamstow and then Clapton Park Congregational Church. In addition to some part songs and a number of anthems, he published "Allegro marziale" in 1926, which was issued by Novello.

"Allegro marziale" is a snappy, even swaggering fanfare-march, characteristic of the 1920's style. It features complex manual figurations and splashy harmonies.

Composed in A-B-A form, the framing sections surround an elegant slower middle section, which culminates in a crescendo and accelerando, which leads back to the opening material. A coda, over an extended dominant pedal point bring the work to an exciting and triumphant conclusion.

The score is attached below. This is quite a rare score these days, so, if you like it, I urge you to download and save it!

Also attached are photos of the two main churches (I think!) where Greenhill survived as organist. I say, "think," because I'm not quite sure if I've found the correct places.

It appears that St. Columba's, Walthamstow may have been demolished, the congregation merging with another parish. Since the current church uses the name of St. Margaret as the "first name," this is probably not St. Columba's Church.

If I've found the correct building for Clapton Park Congregational Church, it seems as the large, circular building is quite famous.