Romance

Walter Battison Haynes (21 November 1859 – 16 February 1900) was an English pianist, organist and composer. Although he died at a young age, his influence on the development of the English Victorian organ style was significant. He made the pilgrimage to Leipzig and on his return became a Professor of Harmony and Composition at the Royal Academy of Music. He was highly sought after as a teacher, and two of his best known students were Charles Macpherson and Harry Farjeon.

This Romance was published by Novello, suggesting it may have been a later work by the composer. In his instructions on the score, regarding the swell, he comments at one point to "Fix open" after a crescendo, suggesting that he may not have had a balanced swell pedal for this composition. (In otherwords, a similar mechanism to the virtual organ on which this is played)

I chose to perform this on the wonderful 1885 Friedrich Ladegast sampleset, recorded by Prof Maier of Organ Art Media. This instrument is of historic significance, being almost in its original state. Ladegast was known for distinctive foundation stops and he brought techniques he learned from Cavaille Coll to the German Romantic tradition. When Battison Haynes studied in Leipzig, under Robert Papperitz at the Nicolaikirche, the instrument there was an 1862 Ladegast. Therefore, it is likely that Haynes had some of these sounds in mind as he returned to England.

This is the final work of BH which I was able to track down - this has been a most enjoyable and rewarding project, and I hope you might consider adding some of his music to your repertoire :)

Here is some more background information on Haynes, and his fantastic Organ Sonata Op. 11 https://youtu.be/n-sR2uhjdzM

The Score for this work is currently published by Novello: http://bit.ly/2YtdPeY

(I have used both the front and surround channels in this recording: the effect in my living room is wonderful and immersive, I have tried to balance both in the mix)