Matinale

Percy Eastman Fletcher, was born in Derby on 12 December 1879 and died on 10 December 1932 at the early age of 52. He took lessons on violin, piano and organ, the former being his most important instrument. Like a number of his composer contemporaries, he made his living as a Musical Director in the London theater world, fulfilling this position successively at the Prince of Wales, Savoy, Daly's, Drury Lane and from, 1915 until his death, His Majesty's Theatre.

His creative activity was however by no means confined to the theater. There were ballads and songs, ad a considerable amount for chorus,as well as sacred works, "The Passion of Christ" (1922), one of the best of those sacred cantatas for small church choirs.

Fletcher wrote a large number of suites for light orchestras, and many fine, now forgotten, orchestral works.

Most of Fletcher's piano music was arranged from orchestral scores, but there are several fine works, originally for piano solo.

He also composed quite widely for organ. An Interlude of 1901 is probably his earliest dated publication, while later works include the two most famous of his organ works, both dating from 1915, "Festival Toccata" and the always exquisite, "Fountain Reverie."

"Matinale" (Morning) was published by Novello in 1926. It is exactly the sort of thing that shows Fletcher at his very best!

The mood is light and carefree, and the harmonies and melodies are always delicate and delightful.

If you're looking for an "encore" piece, or an unusual quiet piece for a recital, this could be the one!

It will require finesse in managing the "tempo shifts," but the effort is well worth the trouble!

For another work by Fletcher, you might like "Festal Offertorium"

https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/32126

To tell the truth, I had completely forgotten what it sounded like, but I enjoyed listening to it again. :-)

The score and a photo of Percy Eastman Fletcher are attached.

MORE P. E. Fletcher to come!