Poco andante, serioso (Three Meditations, No. 1)

Born in Ashford, Kent, he was largely self-taught. He was awarded an FRCO in 1921, and a DMus in 1928. From 1930 he was Professor of Harmony at the Royal Academy of Music and later, from 1956 to 1962, was Dean of the Faculty of Music at the University of London. From 1958, having moved from Park Chapel he was organist of the City Temple in London, a Congregational Church. He was a keen advocate of amateur music-making and in the 1960s was the conductor and Musical Director of the Purley Choral Society. The choir changed its name to The Chandos Choir in 1969. He wrote much educational music for piano and other instruments, as well as music for church choirs, some of which is still performed.

Thiman's list of published works numbers about 1,300. These include a large number of partsongs and many anthems and carols. Most of his church music was written for the non-conformist churches, but he also wrote anthems and canticles for Church of England Choirs.

Thiman (like Rowley) is another one of "those guys" that I have largely discounted, because he wasn't Anglican. However, every one of his that I have performed has been well-written.

"Three Meditations" were published by G. Schirmer in 1961. All of them are well constructed and "seriously written." They have melodic and harmonic appeal.

The first, in D-flat is quite difficult to get it right, particularly when you take into account the continuous pedal part, as well as the changing dynamics and registration changes. The overall effect is pleasing, and I couldn't not help but feel that this is a combination of mid-20th century music successfully combined with echoes from a much earlier period as well.

The score is attached below, (the "editorial markings are not mine, so, you'll have to "see through them" in spots) as well as a photo of Eric Thiman and of the City Temple where he served as organist.