Three Extemporizations

Alfred Ernest Floyd was born in Aston, Birmingham in 1877 and after attaining a Doctorate of Music and work in the UK came to Australia in 1915 to take up the position of organist and Choir Director at St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne. It was Sir Walter Parrot who suggested the shy young Alfred apply for this position. This was achieved from a field of 200 applicants. He is an inheritor of the English Cathedral Tradition as he was for a number of years assistant at Winchester to Dr G. B. Arnold a pupil of S. S. Wesley. He was at St Pauls for 32 years resigning in 1947. He wrote a number of anthems, hymns and voluntaries. In 1948 he was the first musician to be awarded an OBE for services to music. As well as being a music critic for the Argus, he presented Music Lovers Hour on ABC radio for 24 years. He died in Melbourne in 1974.

"Three Extemporizations" were published by Hinrichsen in 1957. Each of the three pieces is a "small window" looking in at what I'd call a "traditional Anglican-styled" short piece.

The 1st is in B-flat (Calmato) is the largest of the set and very satisfying. The 2nd is in C (Legato) and is nice, natural arch-form. The 3rd is in G (Andante) is a bit more chromatic, and I've "expanded" the registrational approach just a bit in this one.

These works, while small, have a noble and unmistakably Anglican-feel to them, and I enjoyed playing them.

I dedicate these to my good friend, and our member, Erzahler, who undertook the large and highly-successful task of recording ALL of Floyd's organ works, and you will certainly enjoy listening to these recordings!

THANKS for the music and the friendship, Andrew!

I've attached below a portrait of A. E. Floyd, and photos of the exterior of St. Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne, and one of the organ as well.