George William Henry Faulkes (1863–1933) – known professionally as William Faulkes[1] – was an English musician now best known as the composer of organ music.[2]
Early life
St Margaret's Anfield c.1910.
Faulkes was a native of Liverpool, where he spent most of his working life. His early general education was under the aegis of his mother and older sister assisted by William Dawson, another Liverpool organist. At the age of 10 William joined the choir of St Margaret's church, Anfield, and his music education continued under the church's organist Henry Ditton Newman.[3]
Church organist
St John the Baptist, Tuebrook in 2017.
Faulkes's first appointment as church organist was at St John the Baptist Tuebrook (1881–86). He then returned to St Margaret's Anfield as organist in 1886,[3] where he remained in post until his death.
Orchestral conductor
He was conductor of the Anfield Orchestral Society from 1908.[3]
Compositions
Faulkes published over 500 organ works, for which he is best known.[2] He also composed choral music, songs, and chamber and orchestral works.[3]
Recording artist
Such was his reputation that before and after the Great War Faulkes journeyed several times to Germany to record player rolls for the Welte Company.[2] These rolls survive in the Seewen Museum of Music Automatons in Switzerland.[4] Some have been recorded on CD.[5][6]
Further resources
CD:William Faulkes (1863–1933): An Edwardian concert with England’s organ composer, performed by Duncan Ferguson.[7]
CD: 'William Faulkes: Rhapsodie on Old French Carols'. Die Welte-Philharmonie-Orgel/The Britannic Organ.[5]
