Élévation in B minor

William Faulkes (1863-1933), composer, organist, pianist, arranger, recitalist, teacher, chamber musician, conductor, musical organizer. Remarkably, for a composer so fluent and prolific, Faulkes was consistently omitted from the major dictionaries of music. From time to time, he is found in smaller more specific dictionaries – or perhaps more correctly, directories from the late 19th and early 20th century. In these, Faulkes is sometimes described as a leader of the modern English school of organ playing; or a leading composer of the English romantic school of organ playing.

He was born in Liverpool, and at the age of 10 became a chorister at St. Margaret's Church, Anfield, which was the largest brick church in England, and had the largest organ in Liverpool. At the age of 18, he was appointed organist of St. John's, Tue Brook, and five years later returned to St. Margaret's. He had a fine all-male (all volunteer) choir, and the level of musical excellence at the church was significant. As an organist, he was a brilliant performer, and earned the admiration of the leading British organist of the, W. T. Best.

"Élévation in B minor" was published by Schott & Co. in 1895. It is dedicated: "To I. Herbert Stammers, Esq. (Organist of St. Agnes' Church, Sefton Park, Liverpool."

This exquisite miniature is darkly expressive and shows Faulkes at his very refined best. Although the work is entitled "Élévation," this should not be confused with an "Organ Mass" as we find in the works of the French Baroque masters.

Most likely it is a short voluntary intended to be played at the Eucharist, perhaps as a prelude or during Communion. It would also work splendidly as a Lenten piece.

The score is attached below, as well as two photos of Faulkes and one of St. Margaret's Church, Anfield. St. Agnes' Church has long since been demolised, but I did find a photo of it taken in 1900, only 5 years from the time this piece was composed.