A Fancy Sketch

Charles Joseph Frost (June 20, 1848-October 13, 1918) was a pupil of his father at Tewkesbury Abbey, and of George Cooper, Sir John Goss (St. Paul's Cathedral, London) and Charles Steggall.

From 1865 he held various appointments as organist, the last being at St. Peter's, Brockley, beginning in 1884). There he founded a choral society in 1845. He received his Mus. Bac. in 1877, and his Mus. Doc., Cantab. in 1882, and was a Fellow of the College of Organists. He gave many concerts, recitals and lectures.

He was a professor at the Guildhall, and a well-known recitalist.

As a composer he wrote cantatas, oratorios, a symphony, and numerous organ pieces.

"A Fancy Sketch" was published by the J. B. Millet Co. in 1896. There are actually quite a number of items published by Millet on IMSLP. Most of them are for organ or piano solo, and the collection is quite varied. Some of them are still in manuscript, so, you'll need good eyes for those! ;-)

"A Fancy Sketch" is a light-hearted scherzo, tapping along in quick, staccato chords. The texture and dynamics are light, and it makes for a nice dialogue between the Swell and Choir. In this case, the Solo, coupled to the Choir takes the place of the actual Choir, as the Hereford stops are the wrong character for the piece.

In preparing this upload, I notice that our superb friend and member "Erzahler" uploaded this piece some time ago, and he did a fine performance of it! Andrew, I did listen and comment (belatedly) to your upload, but I did not upload this to step on your toes!

So, it was with friendship and pleasure that I dedicate this upload to you! :-)

The score is attached below, as well as signed photo of Charles Frost. Included also are photos of Tewksbury Abbey, where his father was organist, as well as some of the churches were Frost served as organist.