Eventide, Op. 52, No. 2

Here's one for the "Summertime Dream Series". This one will lull and soothe you, and hopefully bring you pleasure! :-)

Frederick Flaxington Harker (1876–1936) was an American organist and composer of sacred music.

He was born in Scotland and became the assistant organist to T. Tertius Noble at York Minster. He emigrated to the United States at 25, and served as Organist and Choirmaster of All Souls Episcopal Church (now the cathedral) in Asheville, North Carolina. He moved to New York city in 1904, but returned to All Souls in 1907. Beginning in 1914, Harker served as Organist and Choirmaster at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia.

Harker composed cantatas, anthems, choruses, songs both sacred and secular, and some works for organ. Harker was active as a music editor for G. Schirmer Inc. He edited many choral works, organ pieces, and John Stainer's classic text for organ students, "The Organ."

"Eventide" was published by G. Schirmer in 1910. It is a romantic and colorful meditation, but in NO WAY is this a "picture" of an Anglican evensong!

In this performance you'll the colors that made E. M. Skinner famous - the Flute Celeste and the beginning and the end, the Oboe d'Amour (first melody), and the perfect (for this piece!) Vox Humana (second melody).

I had never heard this piece before, but found it yesterday, and I liked it, so, I'm happy to share.

I'd have NO hesitation in playing this as a quiet concert work or as a recital encore, but I would be VERY reluctant to play this "liturgically," as it is not the style of music that I would want to bring into the church.

I'd also be afraid that a congregational might like it too much...

I have no photos of F. Flaxington Harker, but I did attached photos of All Souls Cathedral in Asheville, North Carolina, and of St. Paul's Church in Richmond, Virginia.

Coming very soon: "Three Pieces" by George Bennett: "Idyll," "Trio" & "Romance".

These are VERY rare items!