Harwood for Pentecost! As I continue to explore these amazing works I am sharing my take on this important stepping stone on the journey towards Elgar.
Basil Harwood (11 April 1859 – 3 April 1949) also made the pilgrimage to Leipzig, and like Walter Battison Haynes studied with Robbert Papperitz.
Harwood quotes and includes the text of a hymn to the Holy Spirit, the "Beata Nobis" which he cited from the Constance Psalter, published c1500. This is quoted in the final movement in its purest homophonic form (marked 'piano' for dynamics) right in the middle of the climactic moments - it is a stunning effect!
Beata nobis gaudia
Anni reduxit orbita
Cum spiritus Paraclitus
Refulsit in discipulos
The year's circle brings
blessed joys to us again
when the comforting Spirit
shone forth among the disciples
I have chosen to play this on the OIC Binns instrument which I believe captures much of the sound and drama he might have had in mind. I have added a little of "Church-Rear" reverb as a second perspective to add a little depth to the sound. This is a most enjoyable sampleset to play!
Score:
https://bit.ly/3HrAJI5
00:00 i Allegro appassionato
07:44 ii Andante
11:58 iii Maestoso
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