The Royal March

Today is the 168th birthday of the composer, so Happy Birthday, CV!

Charles Vincent (19th September 1852 - 28th February 1934), Mus.B. (Oxon, 1878), Mus.D. (Oxon, 1885), was born at Houghtonle Spring, Durham, and, beginning in 1864, was a chorister at the Cathedral under Dr. Philip Armes.

He studied at the Leipzig Conservatory under Dr Karl Reinecke, and held a number of church appointments: 1875-76. Organist of Monkwearmouth Parish Church, 1864-68; St. Mark’s, Sunderland; Tavistock Parish Church, 1877-83; Kelly College, Tavistock, 1877-83; and Christ Church, Hampstead, 1883-91.

He was editor of the “Organist and Choirmaster”; founded the Vincent Music Publishing Co.; taught harmony at Trinity College London. Composed cantatas, organ pieces, songs, &c. Son of C. J. Vincent; brother of George F. Vincent and H. S. Vincent. He served as examiner for Trinity College, London, travelling to South Africa and Australia.

He died in Monte Carlo in 1934.

"The Royal March" dates from 1897 and is an exceptionally grand "period march" and is found in "Twelve Postludes or Concluding Voluntaries" published by The Vincent Music Company Ltd.

The work is dedicated to the famous Albert Lister Peace (1844-1912). Described as a “precocious pupil” of Henry Horn and H. Parratt he was found to be a fine organist, becoming organist of Holmfirth Parish Church near Huddersfield at just nine years old. In 1865 he was appointed organist of Trinity Congregational Church in Glasgow he gained Bachelor of Music degree in 1870, followed by a Doctorate in 1875, both awarded by the University of Oxford.

In 1879 he became organist of Glasgow Cathedral; and in 1897 he succeeded Best as organist of St. George’s Hall, Liverpool.

In A-B-A format, this piece is a thrilling use of the entire range of the organ with an overwhelming conclusion played upon ABSOLUTE full organ! :-)

The score is attached below, as well as two photos of Charles Vincent and several of Albert Lister Peace.