Festival Prelude on "Luther's Hymn"

Ernest Alfred Dicks (1865-1948) was an organist in Cheltenham, and also to the Royal Masonic Lodge.

"Festival Prelude on 'Luther's Hymn'" is based upon a well-known German chorale composed by Martin Luther (1483-1546).
In addition to being known as "Luther's Hymn," it is also known as "Nun freut euch".

It is generally associated with two texts, the one that Dicks used in his setting, "Great God, what do I see and hear!" and, "We come unto our Father's God".

This piece is sturdy and solid, and quite festive. It's multi-sectional, sort of like a mini-fantasia.

At one point, Dicks works in a brief fughetta, which makes quite a fine start, abut is regrettably over almost before it gets going.

Unfortunately, Dicks wrote essentially "miniatures," so, there really aren't any "big" works of his to play or hear.

This tune really isn't used much anymore, but the work would still make an excellent church voluntary, so, I hope it may be useful. :-)

I've enjoyed doing these Dix pieces, and while I have a few more for Christmas, Advent and the like, it's time to move on.

The works of Ernest Dicks are ground-breaking or outstanding. Still, the reflect an era now long vanished, when many works of high quality were heard in virtually every church.

Now, the very future of the organ and "church music" in general are in doubt...

The score is attached below, as well as an autographed photo of Ernest A. Dicks.