Organum (Three Period Pieces, No. 1)

Frederick William Wadeley (also spelled Wadely) OBE FRCO (1882 - 1970) was born in Kidderminster in 1882, and was trained at the Royal College of Music and was then organ scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge.

He was organ scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge (1900 – 1903), organist of St. Andrew’s Church, Uxbridge (1903-1904),
organist of Malvern Priory (1904 - 1910) and finally organist of Carlisle Cathedral (1910 - 1960).

The fine set of "Three Period Pieces" was published by Bosworth in 1948. They show a strong "English accent," but in unique and novel ways.

The first one, "Organum" features the parallel fifths that are the main element of organum, but Wadely's work is more modern and creative.

In his directions, he says that: "It is not suggested that the limitations surrounding the use of early "Organum" are closely followed..."

Wadely's piece is flowing in a way that is almost mesmerizing. The registration is based mostly on the Diapasons, but the Orchestral Oboe of the Solo, and the wonderfully "breathy" Harmonic Flute 4' of the Great (played an octave lower" get a chance.

The mood of the piece made me think of a "western scene" with the American "Big Sky" floating serenely overhead as part of the canvass.

I dedicate this, and the following two uploads, to my great friend, Erzahler, who was kind enough to send me the music. :-)

THANKS, Andrew!

Photos of Malvern Priory and Carlisle Cathedral are attached below.