Grand Chœur

School teacher Claude Ernest Cover (1870-1944) was born in Sherburn-in-Elmet, Yorkshire and died in Galashiels, Scotland.

His father was organist of Sherburn-in-Elmet, and he studied with W. Creser in Leeds.

He became organist of Monk Fryston Parish Church in 1891. Subsequently he was organist at Rotherham Parish Church from 1893, and of St. Paul’s Church in Galashiels from 1898.

He published a Cantilene 1908 [OLF], Grand Choeur 1914 [NOV] and Allegretto 1910 [NOV].

"Grand Chœur" was published by Novello in 1908. Written in a dramatic and stormy D minor, the energy sweeps you along as if you were riding on the wings of a great storm.

The central section in B-flat major gives great contrast, featuring the solo voice of the Choir Clarinet. There is a brief modulation passage that returns to the opening material. The work ends with a brief but powerful coda. while the middle section is stronger and a bit more agitated in the key of D minor.

This would also make a good recital work, and an excellent closing voluntary, but remember that the mood it far too dark to be consider as anything resembling festive.

The score is attached below, as well as photos of Monk Fryston Parish Church, Rotherham Parish Church, and St. Paul's Church in Galashiels, Scotland.