Fanfare (in honor of the memory of Francis Jackson)

Dr. Francis Alan Jackson CBE (1917-2022 ) was pre-eminent as a British organist and composer. A popular figure in the musical profession, both nationally and internationally, Jackson was born in Malton, Yorkshire and received his early education as a Chorister at York Minster under his precursor, the legendary Sir Edward Bairstow. Himself Organist of York Minster from 1946 until his official retirement in 1982, Jackson played for the wedding of Elizabeth II's cousin Prince Edward, Duke of Kent to Katherine Worsley on 8 June 1961.

As well as having given recitals and concerts all over the world, Jackson made numerous recordings of solo organ music, and of choral music with York Minster Choir.

This "Fanfare" was written in 1956, and is dedicated to "John Bradley." It can be found in the Oxford University Press book, "A Festive Album."

I've always regarded this is the "best" organ fanfare that I've ever heard, and it still thrills as much each time I hear of play it! I had the great pleasure of getting a personal performance by Dr. Jackson in 1981, standing next to the console as he played it!

He was a great figure in the organ world and very nice man.

I've played other works by him, but was "caught flat" by news of his passing, and this was all I could do at a moments notice.

RIP Dr. Jackson.

Some photos of stages throughout his career and one of York Minster are attached below.