In Summer (Uploaded for the First Day of Summer)

Charles A Stebbins (1874-1958), American organist, studied with Harrison Wild, Wilhelm Middelschulte, and Gaston Dethier and held church positions in Ohio and Illinois.

"In Summer" was published by G. Schirmer in 1905. Although Stebbins published a number of organ works, this is the piece for which he is remembered. It was played by famous organists such as Edwin H Lemare, and Aeolian produced an organ roll for it.

It is an evocative, late romantic moment filled with atmospheric colors and moods.

At the top of the score, Stebbins gives the following poetic verse:

The plaintive piping of God Pan
Floats through the shimmering haze;
The lazy, far-off hillsides doze,
And dream of other days,
The joyous youths of Arcady
Sweep by in sunburnt rout,
And leave the listening leafy trees
Drunk with their golden shout.

Unfortunately, Stebbins doesn't give the author of the verse, but if there are any literary scholars who know who penned these lines, please tell the rest of us!

I suppose this is really a piece for midsummer, but, since I've played most of the summer pieces floating around, this one will have to suffice to serve as a welcome for the season.

Speaking of which, summer arrives in Jersey City at 11:32 PM tonight, so, since the hour is almost upon us, methinks I should hit the upload button!

I have no photos of the composer, Charles Albert Stebbins to share, but I did attach two paintings of Pan and his pipes. I don't know what you think, but he appears to be not an entirely "reputable fellow" to me... ;-)

I wish everyone a summer of health, happiness and peace!