Meditation (10 Compositions, No. 7)

Harvey Grace (1874–1944) was an English organist and music writer. He was a chorister at Romsey Abbey, studied under Madeley Richardson at Southwark Cathedral, and became Organist of St. Mary Magdelene, Munster Square, London. He was editor of The Musical Times and a noted author and adjudicator. He was Organist and Master of the Choristers at Chichester Cathedral from 1931 until 1937. His years at Chichester coincided with a new awareness of liturgical solemnity; plainsong was used regularly at some of the weekday services from May 1936. Grace was appointed Commissioner of the School of English Church Music in 1937, and resigned at the end of the year. He joined the staff of Trinity College of Music in 1939, and also acted as Organist of East Grinstead Parish Church during World War II.

"Ten Compositions," which are in two volumes, were published by Schott & Co. in 1922. "Meditation" is the seventh piece in the collection, and is dedicated: "To Arthur S. Warrell". Warrell (1882-1939) is probably most famous for his arrangement of "We wish you a Merry Christmas," as found in the first (green) "Carols for Choirs," published by Oxford University Press.

It is a high romantic piece, sharing some similarities in "effect" as things such as Walford Davies "Solemn Melody." The harmonies are rich, and the suggester registrations of: "like a Violin solo" and "like a 'Cello solo," are well represented by the Peterborough Solo strings.

If you enjoyed this work, is another work by Grace that you may like: http://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/19212

I hope to do all 10 of these eventually, but right now, I'm HOT on the trail of finishing the Rowley "Sonata in A Minor"!

The score and two photos of Harvey Grace are attached below, as well as photos of St. Mary Magdalene, Munster Square, London (were I THINK Grace was organist when he composed these pieces) are also included.