Easter Morn (A Meditation)

John Ebenezer West (1863-1929) was the son of William West, an organist and founder of the North-East London Academy of Music. West received organ lessons from Frederick Bridge, organist at Westminster Abbey. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music, where he was taught composition by his uncle, Ebenezer Prout, the respected authority on the fugues of Bach. He gained his Associateship from the Academy in 1898 and passed the Fellowship exam of the then College of Organists. He held successive organ posts in London at St. Mary’s, Bourdon Street; St. John of Jerusalem, South Hackney ; and St. Augustine’s, Queen’s Gate.

In 1884, on his twen­ty-first birthday, he entered the music publishing firm of Novello & Company in London as an associate editor. Following the death of Berthold Tours in 1897, West succeeded to the post of chief editor and adviser. He was following in illustrious foot­steps; apart from Tours, the post had been occupied by Joseph Barnby and John Stainer. He remained with Novello’s for 45 years, of which 32 were spent as chief editor. He retired shortly before his death in 1929.

He was a prolific composer and editor with nearly 500 published pieces to his name. He was a pioneer in the field of editing, especially choral and organ music from earlier centuries. He is also well-remember for his important book of intersting information: "Cathedral Organists Past and Present", the "new and enlarged edition" was published by Novello in 1921.

"Easter Morn" is a brief, romantic utterance that truly sets the mood for Easter morning worship. There is a feeling of "triumph" hidden within the quiet flow and urgings, and the brief crescendo gives a hint of the triumphant resurrection of the Savior.

The score is attached, as well as a photo of West.

A happy and blessed Eastertide to All!