Andante No. 1

Albert Lister Peace was born in Huddersfield, England January 26th, 1844. As a precocious pupil of Henry Horn and H. Parratt he was found to be a fine organist, and at just nine years of age he became organist of Holmfirth Parish Church. In 1865 he was appointed organist of Trinity Congregational Church in Glasgow. In 1870 Peace received from the University of Glasgow a bachelors degree in Music, and received his Doctorate in 1875. In 1873 he was organist of Glasgow Cathedral; and in 1897 he succeeded W. T. Best as organist of St. George’s Hall, Liverpool, the highest position in the kingdom. He died March 14th 1912 in Liverpool. His main works include, Psalm 138, for choir and orchestra; cantata St. John the Baptist; church-services; anthems; and organ-music, including 3 Sonatas; Concert-fantasia on Scotch melodies; Fantasia in B-flat, amongst his most significant works.

"Andante No. 1" appeared in "Vox Organi", published in 1896 by the J. B. Millet Company. It is a VERY English work, with quintessential British harmony and melody. I've played it in the "English manner" (as I see it), meaning it is expressive but without too much rubato.

I always try to do my uploads in entirely "real-life accurate" performers, but I'm not sure that one of the changes could be made as quickly as I've done it, if I were playing the real organ. This fine old Binns has combination pistons, but not generals. It has 3 for the Swell and 3 for the Great, plus the always very helpful, "Great and Pedal Combinations" coupled accessory. All these changes could be made on the real organ, and the sound is wonderful and truly English sound, despite the dry acoustic.

This performance is dedicated to our member, "Leon1949Green," who called this piece to my attention. THANK YOU, Leon! :-)

The score is attached below.