William Lloyd Webber (1914–1982) seems destined to be remembered more for the achievements of his sons—Julian, the cellist, and Andrew, the composer—than for his own, but he played a prominent role in the musical establishment of his day—as administrator, composer, organist and teacher. Although it is not easy to assess his stature as a composer, his
Dedication March more than suggests a skilled, experienced hand. Dating from 1953, and possibly therefore connected in some way with the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, it begins with cheerful, rhythmical music that puts one somewhat in mind of Eric Coates; but the winding, glowing lines of the melodious middle section suggest the influence of Elgar. The return of the opening material leads to a grand re-statement of the middle-section tune and then a coda in which the Tuba crowns the proceedings.
from notes by Relf Clark © 2009
