Grand Chœur Triomphale

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.

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

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."

"Grand Chœur Triomphale" is exactly what the title implies, and while not a "sophisticated" piece as such, is very pleasing to performer and listener.

Written in A-B-A form, with a very slight, but grand, coda, I'd say that the piece is decidedly more "English" despite the French title.

You could use this is a recital piece, but it would make a brisk, upbeat postlude at any festival occasion.

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