Prelude in E Minor

Gerald Albert Bales, CM (May 12, 1919 – July 4, 2002) was a Canadian organist and composer.

Born in Toronto, Ontario, Bales studied at the Toronto Conservatory of Music from 1936 to 1940 where he was a pupil of Herbert A. Fricker (conducting), Albert Procter (piano and organ), Leo Smith (music theory), and Healey Willan (music theory). In 1937 he gave his first professional organ concert at the Eaton Auditorium in Toronto, a performance which included some of his own compositions. As a soloist he had a major triumph in 1948 when he performed his Fantasy for piano and orchestra with the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra.

From 1937 to 1941, he was an organist and choirmaster at St Anne's Anglican Church in Toronto. He went on to hold many different church posts in Toronto, Calgary, and Minneapolis up through 1971. From 1971 to 1984, he taught organ, choral conducting and orchestration at the University of Ottawa. He has composed over 120 works for piano, organ, voice, orchestra and chamber orchestra.

He was a Fellow and former president, from 1980 to 1982, of the Royal Canadian College of Organists. In 1996, he was made a Member of the Order of Canada.

I received this several years ago from our talented member, Jonathan Orwig (giwro). I had printed it out, but it literally kept "getting lost in the shuffle!"

I "found" it again a few days ago, and decided to do it, and I'm glad that I did!

It's quite "impressionistic," and gave me the feeling of "cooling refreshment on a hot day."

I think that the many and varied colors of the Salisbury Willis shine here - or should I say, "shimmer," as the effects are gentle.

Without intending any offense, it always amazes me when I see that some feel that this organ is "not expressive enough" because it doesn't have an enclosed Choir! ;-)

This performance is dedicated to Jonathan with respect, friendship and appreciation!

THANK YOU, J! :-)

Several photos of Gerald Bales are attached below!