Norman Cocker (30 November 1889 — 15 November 1953) was a British organist, choir master and composer of church music, educational and light music.
He was born in Sowerby Bridge, Yorkshire, England, and became a chorister at Magdalen College, Oxford. He was awarded the Organ Scholarship at Merton College, Oxford, but never completed his degree after being sent down, on his own admission, for not doing enough work.
Norman Cocker held the diploma of ARCO, obtained by examination in July 1911, winning the Lafontaine Prize for the highest marks that session in the playing tests.
In the First World War he served with the 16th Lancashire Fusiliers. He also learned to play every instrument of the orchestra during the war years. ';-)
He was appointed Assistant Organist at Manchester Cathedral in 1920 under Archibald W. Wilson, becoming Organist and Master of the CHoristers there in 1943, and later held appointments in various churches and cinemas in the city, including Organist at the Gaumont Cinema in Oxford Street (demolished in 1990).
He was appointed Assistant Organist at Manchester Cathedral in 1920 under Archibald W. Wilson, becoming Organist and Master of the Choristers there in 1943, and later held appointments in various churches and cinemas in the city, including Organist at the Gaumont Cinema in Oxford Street (demolished in 1990).
He is most famous for hiw wonderful "Tuba Tune."
"Three Miniatures" (1. Water-Colour, 2. Charcoal-Drawing, 3. Pastel) date from 1924. There are exactly what one would expect in a "minature," and make the most lovely "impressions" that the listener could hope for. Three very small but very special works.
A photo ofJohn Cocker is attached below. Please send me a Direct Message if you are interested in the score.
Individual timings are in the First Comment.
To hear more of Cocker's works, have a look at his "Four Pieces" here:
https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/63819
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