Flourish (1974)

Wilbur Held (1914–2015) — Flourish (1974) for organ

American composer Wilbur Held (1914–2015) was born near Chicago, Illinois and educated at the American Conservatory of Music and Union Theological Seminary. He served as Professor of Organ and Church Music at Ohio State University from 1946 until his retirement in 1978. He was also organist-choirmaster at Trinity Episcopal Church in Columbus, Ohio. Held published numerous compositions for organ and choir and is particularly known for his “Nativity Suite” of 1959.

“Flourish” (1974) is one of Held’s only freely-composed (non hymn-based) organ compositions. While the title might lead one to expect a fanfare for full organ, the composer asks for only two stops: an 8’ flute and a quiet 8’ reed. The very free flute texture dominates the piece; in the middle section, it is joined in duet by the reed, which presents a chant-like melody.

Published by Beckenhorst Press (http://www.beckenhorstpress.com)