Édouard Silas (b. Amsterdam, Holland, Aug. 22nd, 1827) At the Paris Conservatoire, gaining first prize for organ, 1849. He moved to London in 1850 and became Organist of the Catholic Chapel, Kingston-on-Thames. He was a professor at the Guildhall School of Music, London, and composed cantatas, church music, organ pieces, orchestral and chamber music, piano pieces, songs, etc.
Silas composed many organ works, and a number of these were very popular at the time.
He died in 1909.
"Pastorale" is the fourth of six pieces, which were published in 1879 by Ashdown and Parry and were dedicated to "The Chevalier J. Lemmens" who was then still alive. They received glowing reviews from the musical press who felt there was not a weak piece in the set. (THANK YOU, JH!)
Written in the key of G major and in 6/8 time, the work is tuneful, with the melody floating above long pedal points. The material is the sort of thing that we think of when we think of an organ pastorale, and there is a pleasant, "old-fashioned" feel to it.
The central section in G minor is marked "Piu animato" and the texture and dynamics are lighter.
The opening material returns, this time building up to a fairly large climax before falling away and finally dissolving.
Our day in the country has come to an end. :-)
If you are following these and wondering where "March, Op. 95, No. 2" is you can find that here:
https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/10912
The score is attached below, as well as a picture of Édouard Silas.
Sign up today to download piece.
See what Agnus_Dei used to make this recording