Poco agitato

George Whitfield Andrews (born January 19, 1861 in Wayne, Ohio, and died, August 18, 1932 in Honolulu , Hawaii) was an American composer , organist and music educator .

Andrews came with his parents to Oberlin at the age of six and attended the Oberlin Conservatory from 1869 to 1879 , where Fenelon Bird Rice was one of his teachers. On journeys to Leipzig, Munich and Paris (1884-86 and 1989-99) he continued his education and studied with Joseph Rheinberger and Alexandre Guilmant .

In 1882 he began to teach as an organ teacher at the Oberlin Conservatory, from 1886 he also taught composition. From 1892 to 1931 he was professor of organ and composition. He was known as an outstanding concert organist and was one of the 145 founding members of the American Guild of Organists.

He was organist of the Second Congregational Church in Oberlin, and published a number of organ works.

"Poco agitato" was published in 1911 by the Vincent Music Co. Ltd.. It comes from the same collection that contained the "Serenade" by Ernest Halsey that I uploaded yesterday.

It is dedicated: "To Whitfield," which I'm guessing might be the composer's son.

"Poco agitato" is an odd little thing. It's a clever thing, but I guess I'd say that it is one of those "loveless pieces" that won't do much for the listener, and may only serve to frustrate the performer.

The entire thing is based upon a sort of "syncopated rhythmic ostinato" which is present throughout the entire work. It's always tricky, and at time quite "messy" to keep it going, but, here is my attempt.

The score has the following "Programme Anontation" - "An agitated emotional movement, giving a feeling of restless, anxious activity."

I also mention that the 16' Pedal Bourdon "low-A-flat" has an annoying "buzz" which is very audible. :-(

Perhaps Ben Trenchard can clean that up! :-)

I hope this doesn't fill you with too much anxiety as you listen!

The score is attached below, as well as a photo of 2nd Congregational Church.