The Tower Hill Suite (Trumpet Tune, No. 2)

Charles Gordon Phillips (1908-1991) was born in Slough, the son of a Baptist minister. He grew up in Nottinghamshire and trained as a teacher at the Nottingham University. He was passionately fond of the organ and from his teenage years dedicated his energies to passing professional examinations and writing for the instrument. As a composer, several solo works were accepted for publication before he had completed his higher education. He was a student of Ernest Bullock and John Ireland, and was a frequent recitalist in and around London. Following the war, his attention turned towards the editing of lost treasures of English organ music and the design of a new organ for his church, All Hallows, Barking, which stands by the Tower of London. Over the succeeding years, he went on to give more than 3,000 recitals upon the Harrison and Harrison organ there. As an editor, he is well-known for his important series, "Tallis to Wesley." As a composer, his works contain an astringency which can be bracing, even rather harsh at times.

"The Tower Hill Suite" is a collection of six works. Most of these follow forms that could be considered "18th century" in style, but each of these have some significant Gordon Phillips "touches" about them, so, the music is certainly modern in effect.

The second movement, "Trumpet Tune", is more or less "traditional," but with some nice GP surprises as well!

I think the thing that I felt to be the most "difficult" about the entire suite was following the phrasing marks, as many of these are different than what I would instinctively do!

Since the entire suite is about 25 minutes in length, I chose to upload the movements separately.

These performances are dedicated to "Dabchurch" with appreciation and friendship! David is a former student of GP and a frequent organist at All Saints.

Several photos of Gordon Phillips, some of the Church of All Hallows by the Tower, and one of Tower Hill are attached below.

Tomorrow - "Minuet and Trio"