Percy Eastman Fletcher (1879-1932) made his living as Musical Director to a number of London Theatres He was also influential in the composition of Brass Band music for competitions, in particular his tone poem Labour & Love (1913) and his Epic Symphony (1926).
In 1909 he won the Musicians' Company's Music for Military Band Competition, gaining first prize for his Suite of 3 movements called Woodland Pictures-Rustic Suite. However, he was also awarded third place in that competition for a 'Grand March' given the non de plume 'motto' of Toujours Prêt. It was subsequently published by Boosey & Hawkes Ltd using Fletcher's original title The Spirit of Pageantry.
The original manuscript of the competition entry is held by the Company and is shown below. Click on the image to see it larger and scroll through, click on Go to link for a more detailed view.
In 1924 The Spirit of Pageantry was arranged and published as a piano solo - the Company owns a copy of that edition which is presented below. Click on the image to see it larger and scroll through, click on Go to link for a more detailed view.
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