Sorrow (Andante con grazia)

Charles Grey (1849-1923) was born in Norfolk, England. His father was also an organist.

He taught at the London College of Music, and published quite a number of compositions, most of which, not all, are of a light nature.

"Joy and Sorrow" were published by Schott in 1909. The movements are two contrasting works, depicting what their titles imply.

The second, "Sorrow" is in the key of B minor, and marked "Andante con grazia." It is is the more extended of the two pieces.

The style is sentimental, but I've tried to "translate" that into "expressive," and, I felt the work to be quite moving. In it, you'll hear the Swell Hautboy, the Solo Vox Humana, and Solo Viole and Viole Celeste. Also notice the exquisite Solo Unda maris, which appears several times throughout the piece.

These two pieces are a good showcase for the now-available sample set of the Peterborough Cathedral Hill.

In both of these works, I've tried to make the organ, and the way I used it, sound "old-fashioned," and I think that the intent is successful. This old-fashioned soundscape is especially evident in "Sorrow".

The MIDI, score, and photo of John Grey are attached below.

Tomorrow, get ready for the Hill to thunder forth in two grand American pieces, uploaded to celebrate the Fourth of July!