Two Ballads (D-flat Major & B-flat Minor)

William Wolstenholme was born in Blackburn, Lancashire on 24 February 1865. He was blind from birth and was was educated at the Worcester College for the Blind Sons of Gentlemen. He showed considerable promise as a musician and impressed Henry Smart who agreed to take him as a pupil. Alas, Smart died before lessons began. He studied the violin under Edward Elgar. In 1887 he went up to Oxford University where he later graduated as a Bachelor of Music.

In 1888 he was appointed organist and choirmaster of St Paul’s Church, Blackburn and began to consolidate his position as a teacher, recitalist and improviser. Fourteen years later he accepted the post of organist at All Saint’s Church Norfolk Square, Paddington and afterwards at All Saints, St. John’s Wood. In 1908 he undertook a major concert tour of the United States.

Stylistically, he has been referred to as the ‘English Cesar Franck’ and although this may be unfair to both composers it is a reasonable rule of thumb and gives the listener a good idea of the kind and quality of music to expect. It is also possible that he can be bracketed with Alfred Hollins and Basil Harwood.

"Two Ballads" were published in 1903 by Alfred Lengnick. Both of them are quite pianistic, and both are technical in their execution.

The first in D-flat Major is a continuous "fluttering" of 16th notes in the right hand, with an expressive tune in the left. It reminded me of a clock, softly ticking away the hours of the night, distant but always there.

The 2nd in B-flat Minor seems to have more in common with something by Chopin then it does with pure organ music. I suppose that the music features elements of both instruments.

As usual with Wolstenholme's writing the music is suave and refined, and the darkly distinctive melodies and figurations quickly draw the listener under the spell.

The score is attached below, as well as some photos of Wolstenholme, his family home, several of the churches at which he served as organist.