Finale (Prelude and Finale)

Alfred Hollins (11 September 1865 – 17 May 1942) was an English organist, composer and teacher, who was noted as a recitalist in Scotland. He was born in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England, and was blind from birth. His mother died while he was young, and little is known about his father. After his mother's death, Hollins was sent to live with his "Aunt Mary", who gave him his first piano lesson.

In 1878, he enrolled at the Royal Normal College for the Blind at Upper Norwood. He impressed the Principal of his potential as a musician such that he was given the opportunity to study with Frits Hartvigson on the piano and Dr E.J. Hopkins on the organ. Hollins then presented several successful concerts, and the opportunity arose for Hollins to study in Berlin under Hans von Bülow.

In the ensuing eleven years, he was organist at Upper Norwood Presbyterian Church, at the People's Palace (Crystal Palace) and teaching piano and organ at the Royal Normal College for the Blind. For many years, until the end of his life, he was organist at the Free St. George's Church in Edinburgh.

In 1922, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Edinburgh University. This was in addition to being made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Organists in 1904.

In 1925/26 Hollins gave a major tour of the United States, during which he visited sixty-five cities.

"Prelude and Finale" were published posthumously by Novello in 1944. They are fine pieces, either played as a set or individually.

The "Prelude" shows Hollins gift for melody and harmony. Notice also how he uses the suspension and gentle syncopations to keep the line flowing. The ending is particularly successful.

"Finale" is about as stirring as it gets! The opening march gives way to a brief fugal passage that is very tricky, but fortunately, it's brief!

A brief slower section leads back to the beginning material, and the conclusion is very grand.

The score is attached below, as well as photos of Hollins.