Marche Religieuse (Veteran's Day / Armistice Day)

Today, November 11th, is Veteran's Day and Armistice Day. The day we give thanks for the service of all our veterans, and remember all those who fell in World War One.

William Faulkes (1863-1933), composer,
organist, pianist, arranger, recitalist, teacher, chamber musician, conductor, musical organizer. Remarkably, for a composer so fluent and prolific, Faulkes was consistently omitted from the major dictionaries of music. From time to time, he is found in smaller more specific dictionaries at times, and is sometimes described as a leader of the modern English school of organ playing; or a leading composer of the English romantic school of organ playing.

Born in Liverpool, at the age of 10 became a chorister at St. Margaret's Church, Anfield, which had the largest organ in Liverpool. At the age of 18, he was appointed organist of St. John's, Tue Brook, and five years later returned to St. Margaret's. He had a fine all-male choir, and the level of musical excellence at the church was significant. As an organist, he was a brilliant performer, and earned the admiration of the leading British organist of the time, W. T. Best.

"Marche Religieuse" was published by Schott & Co. in 1897. It is dedicated: "To Dr. W. Creser. Organist of Her Majesty's Chapel Royal, St. James. London."

William G. Creser (1844-1933) was born in York, and had been Organist of Leeds Parish Church before going to the Chapel Royal.

"Marche Religieuse" is different than the dignified, stately march the title implies. This setting by Faulkes is more like a mini-Dies Irae! It's highly dramatic and quite the inferno in spots.

When I walk in the park across the street from our house, I pass the commemorative head stone of William Spahr, a native of Jersey City, who was a Musician of the 312th Infantry. He was killed at the Battle of Grand Pre in France on Oct. 30, 1918 - 12 days before the end of WWI.

The score, photos of Faulkes, and the headstone and grave of William Spahr are attached.