Pavane in A

Bernard Johnson (1 December 1868 - 16 May 1935) FRCO was an organist and composer based in Nottingham who was appointed City Organist for Nottingham in 1910. He was born in South Pickenham, Norfolk on 1 December 1868 and educated at Selwyn College, Cambridge he graduated in 1889. He was awarded FRCO in 1891, and Mus. Bac. in 1897. When at Cambridge he studied music under Dr. George Mursell Garrett, Organist to the University.

While in Leeds he sang in the festival choir under Sir Arthur Sullivan and was conductor of a well-known male voice choir, whose unaccompanied performances were greatly admired. He was also largely instrumental in establishing a society of the local professional musicians, as well as being very active in the formation of the Leeds Municipal Concerts, held in the Town Hall on Saturday evenings.

He died in Horning on 16 May 1935.

He composed a large number of varied works, including some substantial organ works, most of which have disappeared...

"Pavane in A" (this version) was "arranged" by Reginald Goss-Custard (1877-1956), who was Organist of St. Margaret's, Westminster and a well-known arranger and recitalist. He was the brother of Harry Goss-Custard, Organist of Liverpool Cathedral.

I say that this was "arranged," as it appears to be a simpler or earlier "re-working" of another piece by the same name that Johnson composed, and that was edited by Lemare. It is an involved thing, and I hadn't even know that it existed until after having done this one, earlier today!

This is a real charmer. It's sort of like a "mini-march" for toy soldiers, with a more lyrical middle section that reminded me of "Off we go, into the wild-blue yonder!", but perhaps you won't see the relationship... ;-)

It's not too hard, but tricky, and is worth the effort. It would make a great recital encore, or an excellent "light" postlude.

The score is attached below, and photos of Johnson, Goss-Custard, Bridlington Priory and the Albert Hall, Nottingham.