Scotch Idyl

The American organist and composer, William Maag Felton (1887-1942) spent most of life in Philadelphia, Pa. where he attended the public schools and graduated from the Central High School. His father was a talented musician and a well known performer upon the concertina, playing lengthy selections for Wagner, Verdi, Charles Gounod, etc., from memory. Already as a child he began making little tunes so that at the age of five he attracted the attention of some musical people. He was placed under the instruction of William C. Schwartz in piano, and H.A. Matthews and Henry Houseley in harmony and composition.

After spending some time as the musical director of one of the largest photo play houses in the USA, William M. Felton resolved to devote all of his time to musical composition. Although still a young man he has some 50 pieces to his credit, many of the most successful being for piano.

William M. Felton's musical inspiration is entirely sane and dwell balanced, without any foolish striving toward ultra-modernism. Consequently, his work grow and develop upon rational lines. His melodies are pleasing and with a natural appeal, and his harmonies are tasteful and well diversified. Among his larger works are the Concert Polonaise and Second Waltz Caprice. Among the smaller characteristic pieces, Twilight in Autumn, Blowing Bubbles and Sunday Morn should be mentioned. Of pieces in lighter vein are some successful marches.

"Scotch Idyl" was published posthumously by Theodore Presser in 1943.

This performance features the main solos played upon the Viol d' Orchestre 8′ (with Tremulant) of the Choir.

The score is attached below, as well as the MIDI file of the performance.

I will soon be reviewing this fine Hill organ for "The Barde."

More Hill demos to follow! :-)

Also, I have a major organ work for the 100th anniversary of the end of WW1 coming up on Sunday, November 11th.