Recessional March founded on the tune "St. Anne" and on an air by Rossini

Herbert F. Ellingford (1876–1966)
Organist at St. George’s Hall, Liverpool, England, where he succeeded A.L. Peace and, before him, the famous W.T. Best.

Ellingford was world-renowned for his wide repertory and brilliant performances, particularly of the transcription repertoire.

"Recessional March" was published by G. Schirmer, Ltd. in 1915. It is: "Dedicated to Sir J. S. Harmood Banner, M. P."

In this thunderously rousing march, Ellingford combines William Croft's (1677-1727) tune, "St. Anne" always associated with the text, "O God, our help in ages past," written by Isaac Watts (1674-1748). Croft was famous as a performer and as a composer, and served as organist of Westminster Abbey.

Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868) was an Italian composer of the late Classical and early Romantic eras. He gained fame for his 39 operas, although he also wrote many songs, some chamber music and piano pieces and some sacred music. He set new standards for both comic and serious opera before retiring from large-scale composition while still in his thirties, at the height of his popularity.

In this rousing work, Ellingford cleverly and successfully combines the two tunes. The Croft melody is clearly known by all, but the tune by Rossini, while sort of familiar, is unknown to me.

Ellingford must have had MASSIVE hands, as the stretches on the last page are very hard to do. I did my best.

The score is attached below, as well as paintings of William Croft and Gioachino Rossini.

Unfortunately, I do not have any photos Herbert F. Ellingford, despite the fact that he was a famous organist.

Peace to All.