Angel Gabriel

Arthur Bird (23 July 1856 – 22 December 1923) was an American composer, for many years resident in Germany. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, he studied in Europe and spent a year at Weimar with Franz Liszt. He composed a symphony, 3 orchestral suites; some works for wind instruments alone; some music for the ballet, and chamber music. He also composed for the harmonium.

Bird died in Berlin in 1923.

This attractive piece is from a collection of pieces, "American Melodies," arranged and adapted for the harmonium by Bird.

I'm not sure of the "source" of this melody, but I THINK it may be Appalachian.

It is NOT the now famous melody made famous by King's College Choir! I'm referring to the Basque melody that many people know and love.

While I didn't "go wild" with this, I did "fancy it up" a bit, so to take advantage of some of the exquisite colors of the Salisbury Willis.

I'm sure it would still sound very nice if it were done more "simply," and without changes of registration, although you will want to observe the dynamics, etc.

The score (of the 7 American melodies) is attached below, as well as a photo of Arthur Bird.

Tomorrow will conclude my "Advent uploads," and I'll start Christmas on Monday... ;-)