Henry Marcellus Higgs Explained

Henry Marcellus Higgs (1855–1929) was a British composer and performer whose early life and entire career was spent in London. His published output includes not only original instrumental, organ and sacred/secular vocal music but also arrangements of music from popular comremporary stage works both for solo piano and for ensembles.

Early life

Henry Marcellus Higgs was one of three children born to organist and composer Marcellus Higgs (1827–88) and his wife Clara, nee Tomlin (c.1829-?). The organist and academic musician James Higgs, was brother to Marcellus.

At the time of his birth Henry's family were living in the parish of St George Hanover Square, London.^[1] Marcellus was organist of St James the Less, Westminster,^[2] and teacher of music and singing.^[3] By 1861 the family had moved to Bessborough Street in the parish of St John Westminster,^[4] where Marcellus had been appointed organist of the parish church, developing "considerable private teaching".

In 1879, Henry married Emmeline Meates (1852-1927) at Holy Trinity, Vauxhall Bridge Road, London.^[5] Henry and Emmeline settled in Twickenham before moving to Sutton. They had six children: Irene Emmeline Marcella Higgs, William Clapham Marcellus Higgs, Sidney Marcellus Higgs, Ethel Florence Gertrude Higgs, Ernest Henry Marcellus Higgs and Margaret Harriet Higgs.^[6]

Career

Organist

Henry Marcellus Higgs was variously organist of St Saviour Pimlico,^[7] St. Paul’'s Church, Great Portland Street and of Christ Church Sutton.^[8] In 1902 Henry Higgs had become a United Grand Lodge of England freemason at Wallington Lodge No. 1892 in Wallington, Surrey,^[9] and was the organist of this lodge.^[10]

Editor

H. M. Higgs worked for the music publisher Metzler & Co. and then for 22 years he was chief music editor for Chappell & Co.^[11]

Compositions

Choral

• 1902: 'I was glad'. Anthem for SATB and organ.^[12]

Organ

• 1883: Three Pieces: Allegretto, Andante, Processional March (London: Novello)
• 1887: Allegro; Communion Offertory; Prelude and Fugue; Melodie, Offertoire in D-minor; Priére and Pastorale; (London: Novello)
• 1887: Sonata in C-minor. Published in instalments in the Organists Quarterly Journal (London: Novello) nos. 73,74,76[sic] and as a complete work in 1905 (London: Ashdown and Co.)
• 1897: "Original Compositions" (4 vols): Grand Choeur in D, Priére, Romance sans paroles, Adoration, Toccata in B-minor, Pastorale, Marche Solennelle, Duo Cantabile, Méditation, Prelude, Nocturne and Marche Festivale. (London: Metzker and Co)
• 1899: Cantiléne Pastorale; Lento Religioso: Offertoire; Théme avec variations (London: Schott and Co.).
• 1900: Chanson Pastorale; Légende (London: Novello)
• 1905: Six Pieces (Preludio, Romanza, Alla Marcia, Intermezzo, Priére du Soir, Toccata Militaire) (London: Augner and Co.)
• 1905: Six Pieces (Toccata A-minor, Canzone, Introduction and Fugato in A-minor, Duo in Canon, Elegie, Grand Chorus) Op. 134 (London: Novello)
• 1907: Variations on “Heinlein” (in The Village Organist Bk. 45) (London: Novello)
• 1913: Twelve Miniatures (London: Novello)
• 1919: Allegro (London: Novello)

External links

• Open Access scores by H. M. Higgs from International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP).

Notes and References

1. Henry Marcellus (Mother's maiden surname: Tomlin), England & Wales General Register Office Reference: 1855 S Quarter in Saint George Hanover Square, Volume 01A Page 188.
2. A Directory of Composers for Organ (third edition) by John Henderson (Swindon: the author, 2005)
3. 'Marcellus Higgs'. Members of the Royal Society of Musicians, compiled by Betty Matthews (London: Royal Society of Musicians, 1985) p.71.
4. Household of Marcellus Higgs, London, Middlesex, England; "1861 England, Scotland and Wales Census". PRO RG 9, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey.
5. "Westminster, London, England, Church of England Marriages and Banns, 1754-1935". City of Westminster Archives Centre; London, England; Westminster Church of England Parish Registers; Reference: HTVBR/PR/2/2.
6. Henry M Higgs, Twickenham, Middlesex. "1891 England, Scotland and Wales census." PRO RG 12, Middlesex, UK National Archives, Kew.
7. 'Epson: Benefit Entertainment', Surrey Advertiser and County Times Saturday 25 November 1876 p.3
8. Henry is referred to as the organist at Christ Church Sutton in an article in "The Bucks Herald" newspaper, Saturday 28 January 1899, p.5. 'Local Intelligence - Aylesbury: Organ and Violin Recitals at the Parish Church'.
9. United Grand Lodge of England. Membership Registers 1910-1921 (Country U 1823-1952 to Country V 1953-2069) Wallington Lodge No 1892. Sutton. p 146
10. 'The Mayor as Mason'. Surrey Advertiser and County Times. Saturday 28 March 1914 p.5
11. 'H.M. Higgs' [obituary notice] The Musical Times, Vol. 70, No. 1042 (Dec. 1, 1929), p. 1136
12. Open access copy. Published as part of The form and order of service recommended for use in the churches of the Church of England throughout His Majesty's Empire, on Thursday, 26th June 1902, being the Coronation day of their Majesties King Edward and Queen Alexandra. (London: Church of England, 1902) pp.3–9.