Sérénade romantique, Op.14

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.

"Sérénade romantique, Op.14" is found in a collection of organ works by Purcell Mansfield, and published by Paxton. It is: "Dedicated to Dr. Charles Vincent." Charles Vincent (1852-1934) was a publisher as well as a composer and organist, pianist and teacher, so, it is likely that he was the original publisher of the work.

It is what the title implies, a romantic utterance with some resemblance to the famous "Fantaisie in E-flat" by Camille Saint-Saëns, with its "shadowing chords," but the resemblance is just a reminder, and not any musical comparison.

The work is expressive, and translates nicely to the Peterborough Hill, whose, rich, somewhat "rustic" colors put across the music nicely.

I've now uploaded all of the pieces from this volume, except for the "oddly energetic" "Cradle Song," which appears to be a MIGHTY FAST rocker!

This recording has been "slightly normalized," but most of the dynamic is quite soft, so you may have to adjust your listening volume. :-)

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