Postlude in C

Henry Smart was born in London in 1813 and educated at Highgate School. Abandoning his law studies, Smart became organist of Blackburn Parish Church (now Blackburn Cathedral) before holding positions at three London churches. His music is largely forgotten, save for the hymn tune 'Regent's Square', but bears the hallmarks of its time, the influence of Wesley is perhaps evident.

Smart's Postlude in C is perhaps less well known than the D major version but is a delightful gallop in rondo form (ABACADA'). The final iteration features a delicious Bb major chord as it builds to the climax. The falling sevenths are reminiscent of Elgar's Enigma Variations but Smart's harmonic language reveals his skill as a composer.

Smart was active at the time of the installation of the untouched (save for the installation of a tuba) organ in Romsey Abbey. It therefore seemed entirely fitting to use this fine example of Victorian organ building when filming this piece. The real organ has some limitations (addressed in the extended version) by modern standards but it's a remarkable example of English organ building. The beautiful touchscreen graphics and the challenge of working within the original organ's limitations are irresistible so I chose to use the original version for this piece.