A Song of the Breeze

John Arthur Meale (1880-1932) was born in Slaithwaite, near Huddersfield, England, Dec. 18th, 1880, and died in Hendon, Dec. 9th, 1932. The name was spelt Meal in the register of births.

He was a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists, and served as organist of Marsden Congregational Church, 1896-99, of Selby Wesleyan Church, 1899-1905, of The Queens Hall, Hull, 1905-12, and of Westminster Central Hall, London, beginning in 1912.

He composed organ pieces, anthems, and songs.

"A Song of the Breeze" was published by Novello in 1914 as part of the "The Organ Recitalist" series, edited by Bernard Johnson. It is dedicated: "To my friend James T. Lightwood." Lightwood (1856-1944) was active in the Methodist Church, and one of the ground-breaking British cyclists. :-)

The music flutters and rushes along, always smiling, and any clouds that may appear, are quickly gusted away!

The harmonic structure is simple, and this adds to the effectiveness. You'll need to be quick and light to be successful with this.

This work is the type that were favorites of the great "civic organists," and no doubt of their enthusiastic audiences as well. In the day when organist reigned as "musical monarchs," they played huge numbers of recitals. Much of the material was of high quality, but without being "too deep," as is the case with this work.

This music is bound to uplift even the saddest heart, so, I hope it will lift yours!

The score is attached below, as well as photos of J. A. Meale, and several of the places that Meale served as organist. Also included is a photo of James T. Lightwood, the dedicatee.

I must say that both Meale and Lightwood look like very nice guys! Must be because they were Methodists. :-)