Festal March

George Robertson Sinclair (28 October 1863 – 7 February 1917) was an English cathedral organist, who served at Truro and Hereford cathedrals.

As a young man, Sinclair was destined for the Anglican priesthood, but in 1880 his father died and Sinclair needed to earn a living immediately. He became the first cathedral organist of the new diocese of Truro. He moved from Truro to become organist of Hereford Cathedral in 1889, where he remained for the rest of his life.

At Hereford, Sinclair was conductor of eight Three Choirs Festivals between 1891 and 1912, working with leading British musicians of the day, including Edward Elgar, who incorporated into his Enigma Variations a portrait of Sinclair and his bulldog.

He entered the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin, and in 1873, aged ten, he gained a choral scholarship at St. Michael's College, Tenbury, under the headship of Sir Frederick Ouseley.

1879 he became assistant organist to Charles Harford Lloyd at Gloucester Cathedral and parish organist of St Mary-de-Crypt, Gloucester.

In 1880, Edward White Benson, first Bishop of Truro, asked Ouseley for advice on a suitable organist for the new Truro Cathedral. Ouseley recommended Sinclair, who was appointed, aged 17. He designed the four-manual organ built by Father Willis, and assembled and trained a choir.

In 1889 he became organist of Hereford Cathedral, where he made a great reputation for his dedication and accomplishments.

As an organist, accompanist, and solo player Dr. Sinclair occupied a very high place in technical attainment and sympathetic feeling.

He died suddenly in Birmingham, aged 53, after conducting a rehearsal of the Birmingham Festival Choral Society.

Please see the FIRST COMMENT for important historical and musical notes about this EXCEPTIONALLY RARE SCORE, which is attached below.

Also attached are photos of George Robertson Sinclair, his bulldog, Dan, and photos related to their lives, and of Truro and Hereford cathedrals.