Prelude Heroic, Op. 139, No. 1

Today, November 11th is Veteran's Day, once known as Armistice Day, as it was on this day that World War One ended. It is a day when were honor all those who have served their country through military duty.

William Faulkes (1863-1933), composer, organist, pianist, arranger, recitalist, teacher, chamber musician, conductor, musical organizer. Remarkably, for a composer so fluent and prolific, Faulkes was consistently omitted from the major dictionaries of music. From time to time, he is found in smaller more specific dictionaries at times, and is sometimes described as a leader of the modern English school of organ playing; or a leading composer of the English romantic school of organ playing.

Born in Liverpool, at the age of 10 became a chorister at St. Margaret's Church, Anfield, which was the largest brick church in England, and had the largest organ in Liverpool. At the age of 18, he was appointed organist of St. John's, Tue Brook, and five years later returned to St. Margaret's. He had a fine all-male (all volunteer) choir, and the level of musical excellence at the church was significant. As an organist, he was a brilliant performer, and earned the admiration of the leading British organist of the time, W. T.
Best.

"Prelude Heroic" was published by G. Schirmer in 1910. It is dedicated: "To James Lyon, Esq., Mus. Doc. Oxon." Lyon (1872-1949) was an organist and composer of dramatic and colorful works. Another name now mostly forgotten.

"Prelude Heroic" is everything that the title implies. Grand and tragic, it sweeps across the listener, much as a great battle might sweep across the landscape. It rises and falls with moments of triumph, but the sadness and tragedy is never overcome, as the piece ends in a thunderous C Minor.

Please see the First Comment about William Spahr, Musician of the 312th Infantry.

The score is attached below, as well as two photos of William Faulkes, one of William Spahr's memorial stone, as well as one of his actual grave.