Homage Hymn, Op. 8

Here we have yet another piece composed by Alec Rowley (1892-1958). The score is attached below, and that I have included the now famous photo of Rowley, as well as the dedicatee of the piece, "Samuel Warren, Esq." Warren (1841-1915) was born in Montreal, but his career centered around the New York City area. He was organist of All Souls Unitarian, and Grace Episcopal, both in NYC, as well as of First Presbyterian in Orange, New Jersey. He was an esteemed composer, performer, editor and teacher. This piece was composed in 1915, the year that Warren passed away.

What I really want to say is something of a personal nature. If you don't like it, or don't want to read it, that's OK, but I'm going to go ahead anyway.

This piece happened as a "surprise" this afternoon. I was working through a few other things, when the urge to do this one, which was buried on the rack, came to me.
Without intention, it turned out to be a "commemoration" of the day.

March 15, 2001 was the day that I was dismissed from my cathedral position an event that really brought my career to an end. It turned out to be a very high-profile wrongful termination case, but being wrongfully terminated does NOT solve the problem, and I was never able to achieve anything much after that, nor ever again hold a significant position. All this has left me very angry and bitter.

This piece, heroic in nature, is neither intended to make an heroic statement or to solicit sympathy. It is simply something that I felt that need to do, so, I ask your indulgence.

My own career had to be sacrificed for a "famous" (now) organist, who had never held a job of his own. My life and future forfeit in the "cause" to further his career.

Working in "the church" is deadly business, so if this is where YOUR future lies, watch your back. Learning to "play politics" is FAR more important than learning to play a trio sonata, or your grasp of chorale technique and repertoire.

I wish you peace.