An Autumn Sketch, Op. 22, No. 1

Today, September 23rd, is the first day of autumn (or spring!). Here is a rare little number to mark the occasion.

John Hyatt Brewer was born on January 18, 1856, Brooklyn, New York, and died there on November 30, 1931. He is remembered as a composer, teacher and organist, who lived in Brooklyn all his life.

Beginning at age 15, he played the organ at a num­ber of Brooklyn churches, including the Lafayette Avenue Church (1881-1931). He conducted many orchestras and glee clubs, and helped found the Brooklyn Apollo Club in 1878, becoming its conductor in 1903. He also helped found the American Guild of Organists, and belonged to the New York State Music Teachers’ Association. In 1899, he became a professor of music at Adelphi College.

"An Autumn Sketch" was published by Wm. E. Ashmall Co. in 1891, and renewed by The Arthur P. Schmidt Co. in 1919. The work is dedicated to the great American organist, Clarence Eddy (1851-1937), who was a famous concert performer, and a student of Alexandre Guilmant.

"An Autumn Sketch" is a delightful "Alegretto caprice" in the key of F-sharp minor. It dances and flutters about, sort of like a brisk, autumn breeze, but I have to say that I would not take this as an "autumn piece," whatever that would mean.

I've tried to mark the first day of the change of seasons each year, but this is the LAST "autumn song" that I know of! Hopefully, I'll find something new before the equinox rolls around again. :-)

If you liked this piece, you may enjoy these other two works by John Hyatt Brewer:

"Triumphal March" (Salisbury): http://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/10833

"Triumphal March" (Hereford): http://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/10834

"An April Song": http://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/20277

The score for "An Autumn Sketch" is attached below, as well as photos of John Hyatt Brewer, Clarence Eddy, of the Lafayette Avenue Church, and 2 of the organ, which no longer plays... :-(

Happy Autumn to All!