Meditation on "All in the April Evening"

Purcell James Mansfield (1889-1968), the transcriber of these works, was the son of the organist, Dr. Orlando Mansfield. He was an accomplished organist and pianist by an early age, and had a long and distinguished career as organist, composer, adjudicator and conductor. He held a number of important posts, including the position at Park Parish Church in Glasgow, which was considered to be one of the most desirable posts in Great Britain at the time.

"Meditation on 'All in the April Evening'" by Curwen in 1954. It is an arrangement of the lovely song, "All in the Evening" composed by Sir Hugh Stevenson Roberton (1874 – 1952), Scottish composer and a leading choral-master.

Not being familiar with the song, I initially thought that, based upon the title, the song was probably a "love ballad," but in reality, it is what I'd call a "sacred song," since while the subject is Love, it deals with the Love of Christ, who submitted to the shame and death of the Cross to bring salvation to all.

Mansfield's setting is attractive, and has a rather "orchestral feeling" to it. It's not made out to be deliberately "fussy," but there are quite a few small details to attend to. The mood is appropriately "pastoral," and the mood is calm and reflective throughout.

This song, and this arrangement are both unknown to me, and I thank John Henderson for providing me with the music. :-)

The score is attached below, as well as a photo of Purcell J. Mansfield is attached below, as well as a photo of Park Parish Church in Glasgow, where he served as organist, and a photo and a drawing of Hugh Roberton.

The full text of the song, with words by Katharine Tynan, are given in the First Comment.

I wish everyone a very happy April!