Short bio Francis Jackson
Birthday:
1917 in Malton, Yorkshire
Died:
2022
Genre:
Classical
Period:
20th Century, Contemporary
Full biography Francis Jackson
Francis Alan Jackson CBE FRCO (2 October 1917 – 10 January 2022) was a British organist and composer ). He served as the Director of Music at York Minster for 36 years ), and was well-known for his contributions to sacred music.
Jackson began his music career as a choirboy at York Minster and went on to study at the Royal College of Music in London. He was later appointed organist and Choirmaster at York Minster, a position he held until his retirement in 1982. During his tenure, he oversaw several restorations of the Minster's music, and he was credited with having introduced the first girls' choir in the UK at York Minster in 1976.
As a composer, Jackson wrote over 150 works for the organ, choir, and other instruments. His work was influenced by composers such as Vierne and Howells, and he was known for his distinct melodic style and imaginative use of harmony. Some of his most notable works include his Vierne-inspired Toccata, Chorale and Fugue, as well as his Symphony in E-flat and his setting of the Evening Canticles.
Jackson was also widely recognized for his contributions to the world of church music. He served as the president of the Royal School of Church Music from 1966 to 1972, and he was heavily involved in the creation of the Church of England's Common Worship liturgy. A number of tributes were paid to Jackson following his passing in early 2022, including an obituary in The Guardian and an appreciation society on Facebook.
Compositions featuring Francis Jackson
| # | Name | Duration | Genre | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Te lucis ante terminum, for chorus & organ | 3:57 min | Choral | 2008 |
| 2 | Evening Service, Homage to Thomas Weelkes, for chorus & organ in B flat major, Op. 149 | 11:13 min | Choral | 2005 |
| 3 | A Hymn to God the Father, for chorus & organ, Op. 147/2 | 5:19 min | Choral | 2004 |
| 4 | Thanks be to the Lord, for chorus & organ, Op. 133 | 3:33 min | Choral | 2002 |
| 5 | Moonrise, for recorder & piano (or string orchestra) | 5:12 min | Chamber Music | 1999 |
| 6 | Suite Montréalaise, for organ, 4-hands, Op. 93 | 24:31 min | Keyboard | 1993 |
| 7 | Ballade for organ, 4-hands, Op. 97 | 15:17 min | Keyboard | 1993 |
| 8 | Scherzo amabile for organ, Op. 92 | 4:17 min | Keyboard | 1993 |
| 9 | Georgian Suite, for organ, Op. 81 | 12:48 min | Keyboard | 1992 |
| 10 | Worcester Processional, for organ, Op. 83 | 7:35 min | Keyboard | 1990 |
| 11 | Word made flesh, for chorus & organ, Op. 110 | 3:05 min | Choral | 199? |
| 12 | Recitative and Allegro, for trombone & organ, Op. 76 | 11:46 min | Chamber Music | 1989 |
| 13 | Legend, for organ, Op. 79 | 6:19 min | Keyboard | 1989 |
| 14 | Missa Matris Dei, for chorus & organ, Op. 72 | 19:44 min | Choral | 1988 |
| 15 | Eclogue, for piano & organ, Op. 71 | 13:02 min | Keyboard | 1987 |
| 16 | Organ Sonata No. 4, Op. 68 | 22:52 min | Keyboard | 1985 |
| 17 | Preludes (5) on English Hymn Tunes, Op. 60 | 23:21 min | Keyboard | 1984 |
| 18 | Centenary Flourish, for organ in G major, Op. 53 | 1:40 min | Keyboard | 1980 |
| 19 | Organ Sonata No. 3, Op. 50 | 15:11 min | Keyboard | 1979 |
| 20 | Domine Ihesu Christe, for chorus | 4:00 min | Choral | 1976 |
| 21 | Responses | Choral | 1972 | |
| 22 | Sonata Giocosa, for organ, Op. 42 | 20:48 min | Keyboard | 1972 |
| 23 | Laetentur coeli, for chorus & organ | 1:52 min | Choral | 1970 |
| 24 | Organ Sonata No. 1 in G minor, Op. 35 | 24:37 min | Keyboard | 1970 |
| 25 | Sing a new song, for chorus & organ | 3:31 min | Choral | 1970 |
| 26 | Jubilate in G for chorus & organ | 2:56 min | Choral | 1964 |
| 27 | Blow ye the trumpet, for chorus & brass (or organ) | 9:43 min | Choral | 1963 |
| 28 | Recessional for organ, Op. 32 | 3:56 min | Keyboard | 1963 |
| 29 | Intrada for organ, Op. 84/6 | 2:42 min | Keyboard | 1962 |
| 30 | The Archbishop's Fanfare, for organ, Op. 27 | 1:11 min | Keyboard | 1961 |
| 31 | Evening Service in F sharp minor ("Hereford Service") | 7:06 min | Choral | 1961 |
| 32 | Diversion for Mixtures, for organ, Op. 25 | 4:20 min | Keyboard | 1958 |
| 33 | Prelude for a Solemn Occasion, for organ, Op. 24 | 5:09 min | Keyboard | 1957 |
| 34 | Edinburgh Fanfare, for organ | 1:33 min | Keyboard | 1957 |
| 35 | Improvisation for organ, Op. 84/2 | 4:19 min | Keyboard | 1957 |
| 36 | Fanfare, for organ ("Royale"), Op. 18 | 2:37 min | Keyboard | 1956 |
| 37 | Remember for good, O Father, for soloists, chorus & organ | 8:01 min | Choral | 1955 |
| 38 | Pieces (3) for organ, Op. 17 | 15:24 min | Keyboard | 1955 |
| 39 | Toccata, Chorale and Fugue, for organ, Op. 16 | 15:52 min | Keyboard | 1955 |
| 40 | Evening Service in G, for male chorus & organ | 10:23 min | Choral | 1952 |
| 41 | Audi, Filia, for soloist, chorus & organ in D flat major | 8:17 min | Choral | 1950 |
| 42 | Benedicite in G major for chorus, Op. 13a | 6:34 min | Choral | 1949 |
| 43 | Impromptu for Sir Edward Bairstow, for organ, Op. 5 | 6:11 min | Keyboard | 1944 |
| 44 | St. Mary's Bells | 1:55 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - |
| 45 | Prelude on 'East Acklam' for organ, Op. 60/5 (from 'Five Preludes on English Hymn Tunes') | 4:21 min | Keyboard | - |
| 46 | Prelude on an American Folk Hymn, for organ, Op. 43/2 | 4:55 min | Keyboard | - |
| 47 | Tantum ergo, for chorus | 4:34 min | Choral | - |
| 48 | Tree at My Window | 3:22 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - |
| 49 | Psalm 71:1-6, 15-17, for chorus & organ | 3:32 min | Choral | - |
| 50 | Psalm 130, double chant for chorus & organ in B flat minor | 2:40 min | Choral | - |
| 51 | Magnificat in G minor | 5:05 min | Choral | - |
| 52 | Toccata for organ in B minor | 4:27 min | Keyboard | - |
| 53 | The Prayer of Saint Francis, for chorus & organ Op. 61 | 6:28 min | Choral | - |
| 54 | Scherzetto Pastorale, for organ, Op. 20 | 2:54 min | Keyboard | - |
| 55 | Flourish on the Tune Warrington | 1:32 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - |
| 56 | Alleluia, laudate pueri Dominum | 3:19 min | Choral | - |
| 57 | Belshazzar's Feast | 2:45 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - |
| 58 | Can I not syng but hoy?, for chorus | 3:10 min | Choral | - |
| 59 | Carillon | 3:09 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - |
| 60 | Carols for Advent (3), for chorus & organ, Op. 73 | 9:59 min | Choral | - |
| 61 | Come, Thou Holy Paraclete, for chorus & organ, Op. 85 | 8:15 min | Choral | - |
| 62 | Division on 'Nun Danket' | 3:51 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - |
| 63 | Exultet, for organ, Op. 96 | 5:12 min | Keyboard | - |
| 64 | Fantasia Argenti, for organ, Op. 56 | 5:07 min | Keyboard | - |
| 65 | Father eternal | 3:45 min | Choral | - |
| 66 | Festal Prelude for organ, Op. 70 | 4:27 min | Keyboard | - |
| 67 | Final Verse Harmonisation of East Acklam | 1:00 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - |
| 68 | Praeludium for organ, Op. 84/5 | 4:35 min | Keyboard | - |
| 69 | For the fruits of his creation (tune: East Acklam), hymn | 2:34 min | Choral | - |
| 70 | Heraldic Flourish, for organ, Op. 43/1 | 1:17 min | Keyboard | - |
| 71 | Hymn Tune: East Acklam | 0:54 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - |
| 72 | I Know a Flower, for chorus | 3:00 min | Choral | - |
| 73 | Intrada | 2:21 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - |
| 74 | Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis in G major | Choral | - | |
| 75 | Nunc Dimittis in G minor | 3:10 min | Choral | - |
| 76 | O Most Merciful, for soprano & organ, Op. 36 | 3:56 min | Vocal Music | - |
| 77 | O people of Sion, for chorus & organ | 4:17 min | Choral | - |
| 78 | O salutaris hostia, for chorus | 3:50 min | Choral | - |
| 79 | Pavane | 3:42 min | Orchestral | - |
| 80 | Pavane, for organ, Op. 84/3 | 4:01 min | Keyboard | - |
Albums featuring Francis Jackson
| # | Сover | Name album | Year | Music label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Francis Jackson, Mark Swinton – 100+: Organ Music(CD, Album) | 2020 | Willowhayne Records |
| 2 |  |
Francis Jackson Live York Minster Recorded 1947 - 2012(2×CD, Compilation) | 2012 | Amphion Recordings (2) |
| 3 |  |
Organ Classics From York Minster(CD, Album) | 2009 | Griffin |
| 4 |  |
Francis Jackson, The Choir of York Minster Conducted By Philip Moore – British Church Composer Series - 11(CD, Album) | 2008 | Priory |
| 5 |  |
Buxtehude, Jackson, Graham Matthews (2) – Organ Works By Buxtehude & Jackson(CD, Reissue, Remastered) | 2008 | Herald (9) |
| 6 |  |
Francis Jackson, The Exon Singers, Matthew Owens (2) – Sacred Choral Works(CD, ) | 2006 | Delphian |
| 7 |  |
Organ Music From The Isle Of Purbeck(CD, Album) | 2005 | Amphion Recordings (2) |
| 8 |  |
Edward C. Bairstow, The Choir Of York Minster Directed By Francis Jackson – The British Choral Tradition: Edward C Bairstow Choral Music The Choir Of York Minster Directed By Francis Jackson Live & Session Recordings 1956-1974(CD, Album) | 2004 | Amphion Recordings (2) |
| 9 |  |
The Father Willis Organ, St George's Church, Gateshead(CD, Album) | 2004 | Amphion Recordings (2) |
| 10 |  |
Samuel Wesley, Francis Jackson – Organ Music Of Samuel Wesley Volume One(CD, Album) | 2003 | Amphion Recordings (2) |
| 11 |  |
Organ Music From Haddo House, Aberdeenshire(CD, Album) | 2003 | Amphion Recordings (2) |
| 12 |  |
York Minster Organ Recitals 1994-2002(CD, Album) | 2002 | Amphion Recordings (2) |
| 13 |  |
The Composer Plays(CD, Album) | 2002 | Amphion Recordings (2) |
| 14 |  |
Francis Jackson, Simon Nieminski – Sounds Of Francis Jackson(CD, Album) | 2000 | Lammas Records |
| 15 |  |
Percy Whitlock, Francis Jackson, University Of York Orchestra, Jonathon Wainwright – Symphony In G Minor For Orchestra & Organ : Concerto For Organ, Strings, Timpani & Celesta Opus 64(CD, Album) | 2000 | Amphion Recordings (2) |
| 16 |  |
Francis Jackson, John Stuart Anderson – A Time Of Fire: Scenes From "Tyndale's Dream"(2×CD, Album) | 1999 | Amphion Recordings (2) |
| 17 |  |
Francis Jackson, John Stuart Anderson – Daniel In Babylon(CD, Album) | 1998 | Amphion Recordings (2) |
| 18 |  |
Francis Jackson At 80: A Celebration Of Music(CD, Album) | 1997 | Amphion Recordings (2) |
| 19 |  |
Plays Organ Music From York Minster(CD, Compilation, Remastered) | 1996 | Amphion Recordings (2) |
| 20 |  |
Charles Villiers Stanford, Francis Jackson – Stanford Organ Works(CD, Album) | 1994 | Amphion Recordings (2) |
| 21 |  |
Francis Jackson, Michael Austin – Pipes Of Splendour(CD, Album) | 1994 | Chandos |
| 22 |  |
The Organ At Castle Howard Played By Francis Jackson(CD, Album) | 1994 | Amphion Recordings (2) |
| 23 |  |
The London Symphony Orchestra, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, David Hill, Francis Jackson – Music For Ceremonial Occasions | 1993 | The Orchid Series |
| 24 |  |
The Bairstow Tradition : Organ Works By The Teachers And Pupils Of Sir Edward Bairstow(CD, Album) | 1993 | Amphion Recordings (2) |
| 25 |  |
Barry Rose, Christopher Dearnley, Francis Jackson – The Magnificent Organ(CD, Album, Compilation) | 1993 | The Orchid Series |
| 26 |  |
Parry, Jackson, Karg-Elert, Fleury - Graham Barber – Graham Barber Plays The Willis Organ Of Salisbury Cathedral(CD, Album) | 1991 | Priory |
| 27 |  |
Edward Cuthbert Bairstow: The Complete Organ Works(CD, Stereo) | 1990 | Mirabilis (2) |
| 28 |  |
Edward Cuthbert Bairstow, Francis Jackson – The Complete Organ Works | 1990 | Mirabilis (2) |
| 29 |  |
Bach, Jackson, Stanley, Karg-Elert, Liszt - Michael Austin – Michael Austin Spiller Musik Af Bach, Jackson, Stanley, Krag-Elert, Liszt På Orglet I Skt. Markus Kirke, Aalborg, Danmark(LP) | 1983 | TELDEC |
| 30 |  |
Healey Willan, Francis Jackson – The Hovingham Sketches / Introduction, Passacaglia And Fugue(LP, Album) | 1982 | Gamut (2) |
| 31 |  |
Francis Jackson, John Scott Whiteley – The Organ At York Minster(LP, Album) | 1979 | Music From York |
| 32 |  |
Liszt, Elgar - Leeds Parish Church Choir, Simon Lindley, Francis Jackson – Via Crucis / Ecce Sacerdos Magnus / Psalm 48 / Ave Verum Corpus(LP, Stereo) | 1979 | Abbey |
| 33 |  |
French Organ Music From York Minster | 1978 | Chalfont |
| 34 |  |
York Minster Choir Directed By Francis Jackson, John Scott Whiteley – Music For Easter(LP, Stereo) | 1978 | Abbey |
| 35 |  |
Guilmant - Francis Jackson – Plays Music By Guilmant - York Minster Organ(LP) | 1978 | Abbey |
| 36 |  |
Liszt / BBC Northern Singers, Francis Jackson – Missa Choralis • Via Crucis(LP, Album, Stereo) | 1977 | Saga (5) |
| 37 |  |
BBC Northern Singers, Stephen Wilkinson, Francis Jackson – Music For York Minster(LP, Album, Stereo) | 1977 | Abbey |
| 38 |  |
Liszt, B.B.C. Northern Singers, Francis Jackson, Gordon Thorne – Via Crucis - The Fourteen Stations Of The Cross For Mixed Choir, Soloists And Organ(LP, Stereo) | 1976 | Saga (5) |
| 39 |  |
The Choir Of York Minster Directed By Francis Jackson, Geoffrey Coffin – 'In Quires And Places...' No. 10 | 1975 | Abbey |
| 40 |  |
Edward C. Bairstow, York Minster Choir, Francis Jackson, Geoffrey Coffin – Sir Edward Bairstow Choral And Organ Works(LP, Album) | 1974 | Canon Records Limited |
| 41 |  |
Francis Jackson Plays Organ Music From York Minster(LP) | 1973 | Canon Records Limited |
| 42 |  |
The Organ Of York Minster | 1973 | SagaPan |
| 43 |  |
The Organ Of Down Cathedral(LP, Album, Stereo) | 1970 | Guild Records (5) |
| 44 |  |
Nineteenth Century Organ Music | 1967 | Abbey |
| 45 |  |
Peter Hurford, Francis Jackson – An Organ For An Organ Scholar(LP, Album, Stereo) | 1966 | Abbey |
| 46 |  |
Dr. Francis Jackson, Healey Willan – Selected Organ Works Of Healey Willan Recorded At York Minster, England(LP, Album, Mono) | 1966 | Columbia |
| 47 |  |
Organ Music At York Minster(7", EP, Stereo, Mono) | 1966 | Ryemuse Records |
| 48 |  |
York Minster | 1964 | His Master's Voice |
| 49 |  |
Liszt / BBC Northern Singers, Francis Jackson conducted by Gordon Thorne – Missa Choralis(LP, Album, Mono) | 1961 | Saga (5) |
| 50 |  |
Liszt, B.B.C. Northern Singers, Francis Jackson, Gordon Thorne – Via Crucis - The Fourteen Stations Of The Cross For Mixed Choir, Soloists And Organ | 1959 | Saga (5) |
| 51 |  |
Ralph Downes, Gordon Jeffery, Francis Jackson – The First International Congress Of Organists, Volume IV(2×LP, Album) | 1957 | Mirrosonic |
| 52 |  |
The Organ Works Of Francis Jackson(4×CD, Album, Stereo) | - | Priory |
| 53 |  |
Francis Jackson, The Choristers Of York Minster – Choral And Organ Music From York Minster(7", 45 RPM) | - | Abbey |
| 54 |  |
York Minster Choir Conducted By Francis Jackson – English Church Music(7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono) | - | His Master's Voice |
| 55 |  |
York Minster Choir Conducted By Francis Jackson – English Church Music(7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono) | - | His Master's Voice |
| 56 |  |
Francis Jackson, The Choristers Of York Minster – Choral And Organ Music From York Minster(7") | - | Abbey |
| 57 |  |
Organ Music from York Minster(LP, Album, Stereo) | - | Polydor |
| 58 |  |
York Minster Choir, Francis Jackson, John Scott Whiteley – Sounds Of York Minster(Cassette, Album) | - | Music From York |
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