Postlude in D

Berthold Tours (Rotterdam, Dec 17, 1838 – London, Mar 11, 1897) was a Dutch-born English violinist, composer and music editor. His first music teacher was his father, Barthelemy Tours (1797-1864), who was organist of the Groote or St Laurens Kerk in Rotterdam for thirty years, a conductor, and a violinist of European wide reputation, while he studied composition with Johannes Verhulst. Later, he studied composition with François-Joseph Fétis at the conservatory in Brussels and then continued his studies in Leipzig.

In Leipzig, Tours received an invitation from Prince George Galitzin, a fellow student, to go to Russia as second violinist in a string quartet that would be engaged by the tsar. When Galitzin went to Covent Garden, London in 1861, Tours went with him as a score-reader. He was organist at St Helen's, Bishopsgate from 1864–65, at St Peter's, Stepney from 1865–67, and finally at the Swiss Church, Holborn from 1867–79.

After Galitzin's death, Tours became an editor for Novello & Co in 1872, and chief editor in 1878 in succession to Sir John Stainer.

He was a composer, writing in numerous instrumental and vocal works, including organ music and Anglican service music, including a well-known (at the time) Te Deum in F, and a number of anthems that were popular anthem at the time.

Today is Memorial Day, when Americans thank those who have given valiant service for our country. I wanted something "heroic," and this is what I came up with.

"Postlude in D" is indeed heroic, and is an excellent example of Victorian music at its best, with it's "melodic appeal," and "virile strength." It originally appeared in Volume 3 of the "Organist's Quarterly Journal," but was also included in "Thirty Postludes" edited by Wm. Crane, and it is this that I've attached below.

It's a perfect match for the Schulze, combining elements of the German and English styles.

In addition to the score, there are several photos of Tours