Prelude on a Folk Hymn ("Lonesome Valley")

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.

Several months ago, he passed away at the age of 104.

"Prelude on a Folk Hymn" ("Lonesome Valley") was published by Harold Flammer, Incorporated in Volume Two of "The Bristol Collection," which was published in 1974.

The exact origin of the tune, "Lonesome Valley" is unknown. It is an American folk hymn, believed to be an early 19th century folk tune.

The writing is typical of Francis Jackson's style, both in shape and harmony. The work is effective, but will need attention to detail in terms of registration.

I've played this piece a few times over the years, and have always found that one "overlap" in the writing doesn't work. So, in this case, and in all other performances that I've done, my "join" makes a "lift" as the new section begins.

The text of the hymn is as follows:

Jesus walked this lonesome valley;
He had to walk it by Himself.
Oh, nobody else could walk it for Him;
He had to walk it by Himself.

We must walk this lonesome valley;
We have to walk it by ourselves.
Oh, nobody else can walk it for us;
We have to walk it by ourselves.

You must go and stand your trial;
You have to stand it by yourself.
Oh, nobody else can stand it for you;
You have to stand it by yourself.

If you are interested in having a copy of the score, please send me a Direct Message.

Several photos of Francis Jackson are attached below.