Melodic Prelude

Charles Raymond Cronham (14 June 1896 — 23 January 1969) was born in Jersey City, New Jersey (MY home town!), and was a life-long advocate for the organ. He served as a municipal organist in Portland, Maine; he taught, wrote, and arranged many pieces through his life.

I think he may have attended Darmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, but I'm not sure.

His greatest position was as Municipal Organist for the city of Portland, Maine, where he played the famous Kotzschmar Organ, which has recently been completely restored.

You still occasionally see the name of Cronham today, but at one time he was probably most well-known for his many arrangements that included registrations and directions for Hammond organs.

"Melodic Prelude" was published by Carl Fischer Inc. in 1955. It is the sort of thing that would make a fine "performance/recital number," but it probably is not a piece that I would use in a church or liturgical setting.

The work is attractive, and is one of those "crossover items" that shifts back and forth between the "church organ" and the "theater organ," with the theatrical aspect getting the nod!

In this recording, the fine old Hill shows that can indeed handle the sounds necessary, and the richness of some of the solo colors work very well.

One of the great versatilities of the Peterborough organ is that you can use a sort of "double Swell" by coupling the Solo down to the Swell, and controlling the expression boxes independently. You can hear this effect several times throughout this performance.

It's a very nice piece, but designed for those who aren't embarrassed to play this sort of piece, and in this manner! :-)

I highly recommend his "Kings of the Orient" which you can find here:

https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/43808

The score is attached below, as well as three photos of Charles R. Cronham, and one of the restored Kotzschmar Organ.