Toccata in A

J. Frank Frysinger (1878–1964) was an American organist who was a student of Ralph Kinder (American) and William Wolstenholme (English).

Most of his career was centered in Pennsylvania and Illinois, although he worked in Nevada as well.

He composed about 20 organ works, some of which were very popular in his day.

"Toccata in A" was published by J. Fischer and Bro. in 1914, and is dedicated to Frysinger's teacher, Ralph Kinder.

Ralph Kinder (1876-1952) was born in Manchester, England. At the age of 5 his family moved to Bristol, Rhode Island, and became a chorister at Trinity Church, Bristol. He was a student of Hamilton C. Macdougall, and in 1890 became organist of Trinity Church. He returned to England in 1897, and was a student of Charles William Pearce, Edwin H. Lemare, and Dr. Edward Hart Turpin.

After his return to Rhode Island, he became organist and choirmaster of Grace Church in Providence, and later of Holy Trinity Church, Rittenhouse Square in Philadeplhia, both of which are prime positions. During his time in Philadelphia, he performed over 1,000 recitals.

This is not really an "Easter toccata,"as you'll discover when you hear the central section. Still, the framing sections are exciting, and the work seems to use some of the toccatas by Theodore Dubois as an example.

At any rate, I hope my listeners will enjoy it!

The score is attached below, as well as two photos of Frank Frysinger, and one of Ralph Kinder.

I wish you all the blessings of the Easter season.