Postlude

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

"Postlude" can all be found in Book 6 of the "Short and Easy Pieces." Many of these are ll fine pieces, now long-forgotten. They will require skill and finesse to make them sound well and polished, so, the word "easy" should not be taken too literally. :-)

This collection was published by Bayley & Ferguson in 1935, although the style is much earlier. The work can be found on page 60.

"Postlude" is dedicated to "Mr. George Steel, A.S.A.A.".

The piece is marked "Maestoso" in a stormy D Minor. The harmonies are strong, and the melodic lines solid. There is a softer middle section, "Tranquillo," in F major, but the opening material soon returns.

Nothing is padded or wasted, and the effect, while "straight forward" is excellent.

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 not 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.