Cantilène in A Minor, Op. 17

Purcell James Mansfield (1889-1968), the transcriber of these works, was the son of the organist, Dr. Orlando Mansfield. He was an accomplished organist and pianist by an early age, and had a long and distinguished career as organist, composer, adjudicator and conductor. He held a number of important posts, including the position at Park Parish Church in Glasgow, which was considered to be one of the most desirable posts in Great Britain at the time.

"Cantiléne in A Minor, Op.17" was published by Stainer & Bell Ltd. in 1909. It is dedicated: "To my friend Henry Hackett, Organist of St. Mary's Church, Bideford, N. Devon."

This work would be one of those that you would call a "Town Hall Special." It is certainly much more of a recital work instead of a liturgical piece, such as a prelude, etc.

It is a beautiful composition, a sort of "violin solo," although here, the solo is played upon the Swell Hautbois. The form is A-B-A, with a brief Coda. It sounds perfect on the Peterborough Hill, and is a perfect match for the instrument.

If you like this work, you'll find that I have already done quite a few uploads by Purcell James Mansfield, and you may wish to check some of those out.

The score is attached below, as well as a photo of Purcell James Mansfield, three of Henry Hackett, the dedicatee, and one of Park Parish Church in Glasgow, where Mansfield served as organist.