Alla Marcia (Three Pieces for Organ, No. 3)

Eric Harding Thiman (12 September 1900 – 13 February 1975) was an English composer, conductor and organist.

Born in Ashford, Kent, he was largely self-taught. He was awarded an FRCO in 1921, and a DMus in 1928. From 1930 he was Professor of Harmony at the Royal Academy of Music and later, from 1956 to 1962, was Dean of the Faculty of Music at the University of London. From 1958, having moved from Park Chapel he was organist of the City Temple in London, a Congregational Church. He was a keen advocate of amateur music-making and in the 1960s was the conductor and Musical Director of the Purley Choral Society. The choir changed its name to The Chandos Choir in 1969. He wrote much educational music for piano and other instruments, as well as music for church choirs, some of which is still performed.

Thiman's list of published works numbers about 1,300. These include a large number of partsongs and many anthems and carols. Most of his church music was written for the non-conformist churches, but he also wrote anthems and canticles for Church of England Choirs.

"Three Pieces for Organ" was published by Novello in 1955, as "No. 2" in their "Organ Club Series."

"Alla Marcia" completes the set and with rousing effect. The bold opening is contrasted with a lighter, more decorative central section, before a big build up and a strong and triumphant conclusion.
Here again, I found Thiman's MM mark to be very fast, as it made the central section quite frantic. Anyway, it certainly wasn't "moderato," as indicated on the score.

For some reason, this work reminded me of some of William Walton's music. At any rate, it's a fine and heroic conclusion to the group.

Two photos of Eric Thiman are attached below, including one at the organ of the City Temple is attached below.

Please send me a Direct Message if you are interested in the score.