On the Coast (Four Tone Pictures, No. 2)

Dudley Buck (March 10, 1839 – October 6, 1909) was an American composer, organist, and writer on music. He published several books, most notably the Dictionary of Musical Terms and Influence of the Organ in History, which was published in New York City in 1882. He is best known today for his organ composition, Concert Variations on the Star-Spangled Banner, Op. 23, which was later arranged into an orchestral version.

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Buck was the son of a merchant who gave him every opportunity to cultivate his musical talents. After attending Trinity College, he studied in Leipzig at the Leipzig Conservatory where he was a pupil of Louis Plaidy. He then pursued further studies in Dresden and Paris. On returning to America he held positions of organist in Hartford, Chicago, and Boston. In 1875 Buck went to New York City to assist Theodore Thomas as conductor of orchestral concerts, and from 1877 to 1902 was organist at Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn. By this time he had become well known as a composer and virtuoso organist.

"Sunshine and Shadow" was published by Schirmer in 1891 as the first of "Four Tone Pictures." It is dedicated to the organist and composer, Edward Morris Bowman (1848-1913), organist of the Peddie Memorial Baptist Church, Newark, NJ.

This work depicts the raging power and might of the Atlantic Ocean, which is awesome to behold. The work is tempestuous and stormy, although several times, the "Vesper Hymn" makes a prayerful and peaceful appearance.

"Dash high, roaring surf,
On the rockbound coast of the Northland!
Shout in thy glee, foaming wave,
Borne on in the clasp of the Northwind!
Thunder in echoing tones
Through the caves of the guardian sea-cliffs!
But when thou dost lull thee to rest
O list to the Angelus blest,
And the chant which floats over the deep."

The score is attached below, as well as photos of Buck, and a likeness of Bowman, as well as some of Peddie Church.

See the FIRST COMMENT for other information.