Short Postlude in A Minor

Charles Vincent (19th September 1852 - 28th February 1934), Mus.B. (Oxon, 1878), Mus.D. (Oxon, 1885), was born at Houghtonle Spring, Durham, and, beginning in 1864, was a chorister at the Cathedral under Dr. Philip Armes.

He studied at the Leipzig Conservatory under Dr Karl Reinecke, and held a number of church appointments: 1875-76. Organist of Monkwearmouth Parish Church, 1864-68; St. Mark’s, Sunderland; Tavistock Parish Church, 1877-83; Kelly College, Tavistock, 1877-83; and Christ Church, Hampstead, 1883-91.

He was editor of the “Organist and Choirmaster”; founded the Vincent Music Publishing Co.; taught harmony at Trinity College London. Composed cantatas, organ pieces, songs, &c. Son of C. J. Vincent; brother of George F. Vincent and H. S. Vincent. He served as examiner for Trinity College, London, travelling to South Africa and Australia.

He died in Monte Carlo in 1934.

Tomorrow is the 168th anniversary of Charles Vincent's birth, so, I will dedicate this one to him.

"Short Postlude in A Minor" is an appealing work found in "Twelve Postludes or Concluding Voluntaries" published by The Vincent Music Company Ltd.

I could not help but feel there was something "Italian" about this, although I can't say exactly what that "something" is.

The work ends in a prolonged dimuendo, but the tension is kept up pretty much right until the final chords.

The score is attached below, as well as two photos of Charles Vincent.

Happy 168th Birthday, CV!