Postlude alla Marcia in B-flat, Op. 22 No. 3

Ernest Halsey was born in Battersea, London in April of 1876. He was Organist of Anerley Congregational Church, London, around 1903.

Halsey was also a stockbroker. He died at Marylebone, London on June 20th, 1939.

Today he is most remember for his fine "Toccata."

"Andante Religioso" can be found in Volume 5 of the famous (at one time) series, "The Organ Loft," published by W. Paxton & Co. Ltd. in 1907.

The work is published as "No. 132" in the series.

I think it would be hard to find a nicer, more attractive, "absolutely English" march than this one!

The opening section sets the mood from the opening notes, and the buildup, which is not all that easy, really rounds off the first section.

The middle movement has a more lyric theme, but there is no slowly of the tempo, nor any loss of the march itself.

The third section begins by returning to the opening material, but this is expanded and varied, leading to a grand "final theme" that struts along in a manner that would surely have pleased Elgar!

The music may be "predictable," but it is that very confident certainty that makes this so successful and a real winner that could prove useful to anyone willing to undertake this! :-)

The score is attached below, as well as the photo of a drawing of Anerley Congregational Church, London, where Halsey was organist.