Epilogue on "A Gallery Carol"

Sidney S. Campbell, MVO (born 1909 in London and died on 4 June 1974 in Windsor) was initially self-taught, and worked as a bank clerk! He became a student of Ernest Bullock and Harold Darke, and held appointments at West Ham Parish Church, St. Peter's Croydon, St. Peter's Collegiate Church, Wolverhampton, Ely Cathedral, Southwark Cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral, and finally of St. George's Chapel, Windsor.

His compositions ranged through church and organ music, and his enthusiasm for French organ works is clearly reflected in the colorful style of his own compositions.

"Epilogue on A Gallery Carol" was published by Oxford University Press in 1956, so, it was written while Campbell was still at Canterbury. It begins with a joyful fanfare before proceeding an energetic setting of the tune. There is a feeling of bells ringing, and the sense of animation increases before the final outbursts of rejoicing.

The melody that the work is based upon comes from an old Dorset church gallery hymnbook, hence the name. The words also come from the same source and are especially appropriate for the days between Christmas and the Epiphany.

A photo Sidney Campbell at the organ of Canterbury Cathedral is attached below.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Rejoice and be merry in songs and in mirth;
O praise our Redeemer, all mortals on earth!
For this is the birthday of Jesus our King,
Who brought us salvation: His praises we'll sing.

A heavenly vision appeared in the sky;
Vast numbers of angels the shepherds did spy,
Proclaiming the birthday of Jesus our King,
Who brought us salvation: His praises we'll sing.

Likewise a bright star in the sky did appear,
Which led the wise men from the East to draw near;
They found the Messiah, sweet Jesus our King,
Who brought us salvation: His praises we'll sing.

And when they were come they their treasures unfold,
And unto him offered myrrh, incense and gold.
So blessed for ever be Jesus our King,
Who brought salvation: His praises we'll sing.