Elegy, Op. 9

Purcell James Mansfield (1889-1968), the transcriber of these works, was the son of the organist, Dr. Orlando Mansfield. He was an accomplished organist and pianist by an early age, and had a long and distinguished career as organist, composer, adjudicator and conductor. He held a number of important posts, including the position at Park Parish Church in Glasgow, which was considered to be one of the most desirable posts in Great Britain at the time.

"Elegy" was published by Stainer & Bell Ltd. in 1910 as No. 15 in their "Organ Recitalist Series".

It is a colorful and unusual elegy. It combines the elements of a formal funeral march, interspersed with sections that are much happier in nature, as if recalling youthful times, perhaps times long gone by.

Notice the use of consistent "fall way" dynamics in the somber sections. The first note of the phrase must be played with the Swell box open, and then it must close, forcing the player to play the pedal part with the left foot while the right manages the expression.

In terms of tempo and interpretation, I have no idea if my conception is what Mansfield was seeking, as there are no recordings of the piece, and the composer does not indicate speeds, etc.

After the acceleration passages, I tried to gradually let the tempo, like the dynamics, "fall away," until I had reached the opening tempo.

I thank my good friend, John Henderson (RSCMJOHN) for the score!

A photo of Purcell J. Mansfield is attached below, as well as a photo of Park Parish Church in Glasgow, where he served as organist.