Marche Pontficale (for Pope Leo XIV)

Uploaded with prayers and hope for Pope Leo XIV.

(I had this ready and waiting!)

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 Pontificale" was published in 1899 by Schott & Co. Composed in the key of D-flat, it is dedicated to J. Warriner, Esq. Mus. Doc. T.C.D.. Warriner was a composer himself and was organist of St. Matthew's Church, Denmark Hill, London.

With the piece being "fully Anglican" to the core, I realize there is nothing "Roman Catholic" about this, but it is stirring and heroic, and is offered with prayers and hope for the new pope's ministry.

The score is attached below, as well as atwo photos of William Faulkes and one of St. Margaret's Church, Anfield, where he served as organist. Also attached is a painting and a photo of St. Matthew's Church, Denmark Hill. Sadly, the church now longer exists.

Peace to All!