The Sweet Rivelet

Dr. Francis Alan Jackson CBE (born 2 October 1917) is pre-eminent as a British organist and composer. A popular figure in the musical profession, both nationally and internationally, Jackson was born in Malton, Yorkshire and received his early education as a Chorister at York Minster under his precursor, the legendary Sir Edward Bairstow. Himself Organist of York Minster from 1946 until his official retirement in 1982, Jackson played for the wedding of Elizabeth II's cousin Prince Edward, Duke of Kent to Katherine Worsley on 8 June 1961.

As well as having given recitals and concerts all over the world, Jackson has made numerous recordings of solo organ music, and of choral music with York Minster Choir.

"The Sweet Rivelet" is the 2nd piece in "The Hovingham Sketches," a collection of organ works dating from 1982, including this work by Darke, as well as pieces by Francis Jackson, Arthur Willis, Eric Thiman, and others. Eight of these works, including this one, are published in a volume issued by Banks Music Publications.

At the top of the page, Jackson gives the following info from "Dodsworth's Church Notes": "... the sweet rivelet called Wath Beck which hath springes, and cometh to Wath, which giveth itt name, thence to Friton and by Slyngsby into Holbeck."

This little gem, which show so much of Jackson's artistry and refined compositional skills is a delightful "sparkle" in which the waters in the brook dance along, sometimes holding back, sometimes running more quickly ahead.

In my opinion, Francis Jackson has always been THE epitome of the 20th century English organist/composer/church music figure. One may have other "favorites," but if you combine all of his skills, and total them up, I don't think any others out shine him.

He is still with us at the age of 101!

Attached below are several photos of Francis Jackson, one of Hovingham Hall, and one of what I think is part of the river that Jackson is portraying in this piece! :-)