Herbert Austin Fricker (1868-1943) was
born in England, studied with Frederick Bridge and Edwin H Lemare, and served as city organist for Leeds. In 1917, he emigrated to
Canada and was an active recitalist in Canada and the United States. This “Wedding Song” is a concert piece for the
celebration of a marriage. Much of it is written on four staves and requires thumbing down, the playing of two manuals with one
hand. It is dedicated to the Rev William Fiddean Moulton, MA (1835-1898), who was President of Wesleyan Conference in 1890.
Fricker performed his “Cantilène Nuptiale” and
“Scherzo
Symphonique” on his final recital at Leeds Town Hall in 1917 shortly before leaving for Toronto. You might simply call
it “Cantilène” on your program. Moderately difficult.