The clearest demonstration that he deserves his status as one of music's immortals is his enduring popularity with audiences, who recognisehim as both a supreme melodist and a master who can deliver the convincing satisfactions of coherence.
It was the first time a commemoration had been held for him at the church beside his grave, and campaigners hope it will be the beginning of a move to recognisehim properly in Folkestone, where he spent the last seven years of his life.