Andante con moto

Dr. Francis Edward Gladstone, was born at Summertown, near Oxford, March 2,1845. When 14 he was articled to Dr. S. S. Wesley, with whom he remained at Winchester for five years. After being organist for two years at Holy Trinity Church, Weston-super-Mare, in 1866 he obtained the post of organist at Llandaff Cathedral. In March 1870 he was appointed organist at Chichester Cathedral, but three years later he moved to Brighton, where he remained until 1876, when after a short residence in London he accepted the post of organist at Norwich Cathedral, which he resigned in 1881. Gladstone then became organist to Christ Church, Lancaster Gate, London, a post which ill health compelled him to resign in 1886.

He took the degree of Mus. B. Cantab, in 1876, and shortly after was made an Honorary Member of the Royal Academy of Music. He took the degree of Mus. D. in 1879, and is also a Fellow of the College of Organists, a Member of the Board of Musical Studies at Cambridge, and a teacher of organ, etc., at the Royal College of Music.

He was received into the Roman Catholic Church, and was appointed director of the choir at St. Mary of the Angels, Bayswater. He composed a large number of organ solos, as well anthems and service settings.

This fine little piece comes from "The Village Organist," a collection with far "better" pieces in it than it's "humbling title" might imply. The works are varied and of various duration and styles.

"Andante con moto" (in G) is probably quite a bit earlier than the recently uploaded "A Second Sonata," but it sounds "later," as it is more "romantic" in terms of harmonies, etc.

Romantic or classic, Gladstone's attention to detail and line is present throughout.

While played with or without pedals, you may find a few surprisingly "sticky" moments, and the flow must not drag. Also, the few additions and subtractions of stops are essential to the musical outcome.

THANKS again to Dr. John Henderson.

The score and photos are attached below.