| Description: | Ernest Alfred Dicks (1865-1948) was an organist in Cheltenham, and also to the Royal Masonic Lodge. He published several collections, including these fine set of "Hymn Tune Voluntaries - Twelve Pieces for Organ in Various Styles founded on Favourite Psalm and Hymn Tunes," published by Bayley & Ferguson in 1923.
The "Toccatina on 'Stockport' and 'Mendelssohn'" is the sixth in the collection, and is quite unique amongst the set of twelve, as it uses two hymns for its thematic material. After a brief introduction, the opening and closing sections are on the tune 'Stockport' and used for the toccata-like sections. The middle section is softer, and uses the tune 'Mendelssohn". In this part, Dicks imitates, but softly, the bell ringing heard in many English churches. As with the 'Adeste Fideles' uploaded yesterday, the music shows Dicks in his typically English, colorful and always solid style of writing. The music isn't "daring," but the organ speaks grandly, yet with subtlety and interest. All of these "Hymn Tune Voluntaries" are successful and worth the effort!
It is dedicated: "To E. Stanley Roper Esq. B.A.; Mus. Bac.; FRCO". Stanley Roper (1878-1953) was organist of the Chapel Royal, and edited many publications for Oxford University Press.
The tune "Stockport" was composed by John Wainwright (c. 1723-1768) and the text by John Byrom (1692-1763).
The tune "Mendelssohn" was taken from a chorus by Felix Mendelssohn, and adapted by William Hayman Cummings (1831-1915). The famous Christmas hymn text was written by Charles Wesley (1707-1788), and adapted by several other authors.
The score and several interesting photos are attached below: Ernest Dicks, a GREAT one of E. Stanley Roper, and likenesses of John Byrom, Charles Wesley, and William Cummings.
The texts for the two first verses is given in the First Comment.
Peace and Blessings to All, and Happiness and Safety in the New Year! |
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