Grand Chœur

Charles Grey (1849-1923) was born in Norfolk, England. His father was also an organist.

He taught at the London College of Music, and published quite a number of compositions, most of which are of a light nature.

"Grand Chœur" was published by Schott in 1901. It has all the features the audience of Grey's day would have liked, and I suspect many would still like today!

Opening with a grand march, very much in the "French manner," a tuneful middle section, featuring some of the voices of the Solo, and then a return to the opening, but not before a brief skyrocket of a cadenza brings us back to the opening material.

The Peterborough Hill has recently had a fine upgrade, which corrected some issues with the releases, and brought the sound to an even finer "precision." Notice the tremendous impact the Full Swell opening now has!

After the grand, French march returns, we come to a "più mosso," and I "piùed" quite a bit, working up to rolling pedal triplets which the manuals punctuate the thunder with well-accented chords.

The conclusion is just about FULL ORGAN, including Sub & Super Couplers, but with the Solo Tuba only coupled to the Pedals, along with its extension, the 16' Contra Tuba.

The score is attached below, as well as a photo of Charles John Grey.