Ernest Alfred Dicks (1865-1948) was an organist in Cheltenham, and also to the Royal Masonic Lodge. He published several collections, including these fine set of "Hymn Tune Voluntaries - Twelve Pieces for Organ in Various Styles founded on Favourite Psalm and Hymn Tunes," published by Bayley & Ferguson in 1923.
"Introduction and Variations on 'Adeste Fideles'" is the fourth in the collection. It is dedicated: "To Dr. Caradog Roberts".
Caradog Roberts (30 October 1878 — 3 March 1935) was a Welsh composer, organist and choirmaster.
Roberts showed musical talent since his childhood, winning several prizes at Welsh festivals (eisteddfodau) in which he participated. He studied piano and organ, becoming organist of Mynydd Seion Congregational Church, Ponciau from 1894 until 1903. In the next year he took the same position at Bethlehem Congregational church, Rhosllanerchrugog, a post he retained until his death. He took the degrees of B.Mus. (1906) and D.Mus. (1911), both at Oxford. From 1914 to 1920, he was Director of Music at Bangor University.
Roberts was a prolific composer and arranger of hymn tunes, several of which were incorporated into Welsh hymnaries.
The "Introduction and Variations on 'Adeste Fideles'" show Dicks in his typically English, colorful and always solid style of writing. The music isn't "daring," but the organ speaks grandly, yet with subtlety and interest. All of these "Hymn Tune Voluntaries" are successful and worth the effort!
The score is attached below, as well as a photo of Ernest Dicks, two of Dr. Caradog Roberts, and one of his grave.
Tomorrow, another Dix Christmas work from the same collection, the "Toccatina on 'Stockport' and 'Mendelssohn'".
If you'd like to hear a work by Caradog Roberts, you can listen to his Epiphany carol, "Dark the night lay" here:
https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/28556
Peace and Blessings to All, and Happiness and Safety in the New Year!
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