Prelude on "St. Cross" (O come and mourn with me awhile)

William Southcombe Lloyd Webber CBE (1914 – 1982) was an English organist and composer, who achieved some fame as a part of the modern classical music movement whilst commercially facing mixed opportunities. Besides his long and prestigious career, composing works ranging from choral pieces to instrumental items and more, he is known for being the father of both fellow composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.

He also notably served as a teacher, instructing pupils on music theory at the Royal College of Music for many years until his death in 1982.

He was born in London and his father,William Charles Henry Webber, a self-employed plumber, was a keen organ 'buff'.

By the age of 14, William Lloyd Webber had already become a well-known organ recitalist, giving frequent performances at many churches and cathedrals throughout Great Britain. He won an organ scholarship to the Mercers' School, later winning a further scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music, where he studied with Ralph Vaughan Williams and gained his FRCO diploma at nineteen.

He was organist of All Saints, Margaret Street, and later of Westminster Central Hall, both in London.

Webber's "Prelude on 'St. Cross'" takes the fine tune by the Rev. John B. Dykes (1823-1876), which is linked with the text by the Rev. Frederick William Faber (1814-1863), "O come and mourn with me awhile".

The style is devotional, with flowing lines and highly expressive harmonies. There is a successful combination of 20th century writing interwoven with elements of a much earlier time in English music.

If I heard this piece, and were asked to identify the composer, I would probably say that it was Eric Thiman.

The work was reprinted by Kevin Mayhew Ltd. in 1995, so, I cannot share the score. I believe that they have done a volume that has all of Webber's organ compositions.

Several photos of William Lloyd Webber are attached below, as well as some of the places at which he served.

Full text given in the FIRST COMMENT.