Easter Prelude on the tune "Victory" (Twelve Hymn Tune Voluntaries, No. 11)

Ernest Alfred Dicks (1865-1948) was an organist in Cheltenham, and also to the Royal Masonic Lodge. He published several collections, including these fine set of "Hymn Tune Voluntaries - Twelve Pieces for Organ in Various Styles founded on Favourite Psalm and Hymn Tunes," published by Bayley & Ferguson in 1923.

The style is indeed varied, and some of the pieces, actually, most of the pieces, are filled with charm and color. They are unpretentious, and quite "old fashioned," especially when you consider what was happening in the musical world of 1923!

"Easter Prelude on the tune 'Victory'" is the 11th in the collection. It is dedicated: "To Edward d'Evry, Esq. FRCO", and takes the melody composed by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (c.1525-1594) as its theme. I believe this melody was taken from a "Sanctus," but I'm not sure. The "associated" text is: "Alleluia! The strife is o'er, the battle done; the victory of life is won; the song of triumph has begun. Alleluia!"

This is a neat "little big piece," beginning with a bold statement of the opening "Alleluias," followed by an exciting and effective fughetta. The drive is maintained throughout, and the flow and conclusion are very satisfying.

The dedicatee of this piece, Edward d'Every (1869-1950) was quite a well-known man of his day. He preceded Ralph Downes as Organist of the Brompton Oratory and wrote a number of pieces for organ in varying styles over a period of more than 50 years. He was also Controller of Examinations for the Trinity College of Music in London.

The scores are courtesy, once again, of Dr. John Henderson, Librarian for the Royal School of Church Music. They are attached below in 2 pdf's, as the "complete" set omits two pages from the first piece in the collection.

THANK YOU, John!

I have no photos of Dicks or d'Every, but I did include two photos of Brompton Oratory, where d'Every was organist.

I wish everyone a blessed, healthful Easter!

Peace and safety to All!