Postlude, Op. 37, No. 5

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 fine piece is taken from the harmonium collection published by Breitkopf & Hartel in 1897. "Postlude" is the 5th 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.

"Postlude" is an exciting march, with some VERY bold Birdian harmonies! He covers a LOT of ground in a short bit of space and time!

The passage that leads back to the opening material, now over a continuously running bass, brought a smile to my face, and made me think of a Sousa march for a quick second or two! ;-)

NO OTHER ORGAN that we have in HW could "bring off" this music quite as well!

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.