SUMSION, HERBERT  BIOGRAPHY

Herbert Sumsion was organist of Gloucester Cathedral from 1928 until 1967, and conductor of the Three Choirs Festival during that time, in which he came into close contact such as Elgar and Howells. His own music for the organ, of which there is a great deal, consists largely of miniatures - ideal for before and after Services. Intermezzo, an early work, is a serene movement which has been arranged from its original form for string orchestra, while the triumphant Ceremonial March, dating from a much later period in his long and fruitful working life, makes a fitting end to a set of pieces from composers of the West Country, who have made such a notable contribution to the life and music of Britain, especially through their writings for the church.