Reverie, Op. 37, No. 4

Arthur Homer 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 moving piece is taken from the harmonium collection published by Breitkopf & Hartel in 1897. "Reverie" is the 4th work in the group.

Being originally for harmonium, the player must decide "how to play" these pieces on the organ, meaning, which notes to play or to leave out, if you have to "adjust octaves," etc.

"Reverie" is quite a Wagnerian work, with rich harmonies, and the sort of melodies that just keep going!

The Armley Schulze makes for a rich, sting-like sound, that really impassions the music, imparting an orchestral feel to the texture.

Notice that there are some very unique and highly original harmonic moments in this sweet and moving work.

I'm pleased to be collaborating with my good friend, Erzahler on completing the project of recording and uploaded these 10 unique and interesting works.

THANK YOU, Andrew! :-)

The score is attached below, as well as two photos of Arthur Bird.