Pastorale (24 Sketches, Op. 11, No. 12)

Edmund Thomas Chipp (25 December 1823 – 17 December 1886) was an English organist and composer. His compositions were principally church organ music and oratorios. He was born in London on Christmas Day, 25 December 1823. He was the eldest son of musician (Thomas) Paul Chipp (1793–1870) principal drummer of his day and chorister of the Chapel Royal, Whitehall, and was educated in the Chapel Royal as a chorister. He was a Chorister of the Chapel Royal under William Hawes from the age of seven until he was 17. On 28 June 1838 Chipp sang at the coronation of Queen Victoria.

Chipp studied the organ under George Cooper (organist at St Pauls Cathedral and St. James's Palace d.1838), and violin. He became a Member of the Society of British Musicians in 1842 and of the Royal Society of Musicians in 1848. He was violinist in Her Majesty's Private Band from 1844, and a violinist in the Philharmonic and other orchestras.

In 1859 he obtained a music degree at Cambridge University and became Doctor of Music in 1861.

The Musical Times of 1 February 1887 stated: "Mr Chipp's skill as an organist was by no means confined to his church duties; he was often called upon to display the resources of new organs.

He also has a close association with the Sonatas of Mendelssohn, having been involved with the first performances of them, including a performance of all 6 at the Hill Organ factory on 13 December 1848.

"Pastorale" is very much what the title implies, but I found this very tedious to execute. It is the longest of the first 12 "Sketches" and John Henderson tells me it was one of the most popular of Chipp's works.

The main theme is stated and then varied in 2 major variations, each of which are "divided" into 2 sections.

The writing is continuous with some very wide stretches, and "complicated" part writing. I slowed the MM mark, as this is steady as the notes increase beyond a manageable pace.

The score is attached, a drawing of Chipp, and some photos of Ely Cathedral.