Praise Him in the sound of the Trumpet (or Tuba or Whatever) - is not the sort of title every cathedral organist would use for a published organ work.
Arthur Wills has always been a distinctive personality in that rarified world. He served on the music staff of Ely Cathedral for forty years from 1950- thirty of them as Organist and Master of the Choristers.
Memoirs from that period can be a lament for the older world that vanished as changes were made in worship and music. Dr Wills is not given to lament; his book is a recollection of a busy life by a man who patently enjoys living. He was able to remain detached from politics and in-fighting, though he often observed these with a wry amusement. He accepts his fellow-beings as they are, appreciating their qualities and showing forbearance for shortcomings. A long procession of characters cross the pages of his book. Some, like Marcel Dupré and Gerald Knight, are to be expected; others, such as the Dame of Sark and - though not at the same time - the personnel of the Folies-Bergère, perhaps less so.
A much-travelled recitalist, he visited Australia and New Zealand twice, opening the Auckland cathedral organ in 1980; his Missa Brevis of that year is dedicated to the boys' choir. His second visit to Christchurch occurred shortly after the death of David Childs, an event that saddened him. Surprisingly for one used to the chills of Ely, he found the Dunedin winter something of a trial.
Arthur Wills’ many compositions, listed in an appendix, include much beside organ and choral works - the classical guitar seems an especial favourite. His book, revealing much of the character of the man and the inspiration of many compositions, will be of great help to those who perform them.
