Largehetto in F Minor

Thomas Attwood Walmisley (21 January 1814 – 17 January 1856) was born in London, the son of Thomas Forbes Gerrard Walmisley (1783-1856), a well-known organist and composer of church music and glees. Thomas Attwood was his godfather, and the boy was educated in music under their tuition.

Walmisley was organist of Croydon Parish Church in 1830 before becoming organist at Trinity College, Cambridge in 1833, and there he soon became prominent by his anthems and other compositions. He was simultaneously organist for the Choir of St John's College, Cambridge. He not only took the degrees of Mus.Bac. and Mus.Doc., but also graduated at Jesus College as BA and MA.

In 1836 Walmisley was made Professor of Music at Cambridge. His Cathedral Music was edited after his death by his father.

While he is chiefly remembered for his superb setting of the Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis in D Minor, was one of a number of ill-fated young prodigies who were expected to develop into "the English Mozart".

Nevertheless, his position in history is an important one.

"Larghetto in F Minor" was published by Novello in 1933 as No. 143 in the "Original Compositions for Organ" (New Series). It was edited by Frederic Fertel.

The work seems like it may have been an "introduction" to, or an "interlude" in an anthem, but it's probably an organ solo.

It shows the melodic and harmonic sophistication that was typical in all of Walmisley's compositions.

This performance follows the editor's suggestions, so, it is more "cathedral romantic" as opposed to being completely classically correct, but the outcome is effective and moving.

The score, which was uploaded on IMSLP by our member, "ChesterKingsbury" is attached below. THANKS, Bruce!

Also attached are several portraits of Thomas Attwood Walmisley.