Meditation on Psalm 121

Arthur Milner (1894-1972) was a Newcastle based teacher, performer and composer. He was an FTCL (piano), ARCM (piano) and ARCO. He held a Durham D.Mus by examination. He had been Director of Music at Newcastle Royal Grammar School for 22 years, whilst in his younger years had been organist at St. George's, Jesmond, which had a fine 4 manual Lewis organ. He was quietly spoken, a perfect gentleman and an excellent teacher.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s he wrote a fair number of organ pieces, numbering about 20, which were published mainly by Novello and Ashdown.

It is very difficult to find biographical material about him, and photos of him are scarce.

"Meditation on Psalm 121" was published by J. B. Cramer & Co. Ltd. in 1961. It is dedicated: "For Allan Wicks, Manchester Cathedral".

Like all of Milner's writing, there is a fair amount of dissonance in this work, but it is quite expressive, and certainly not off-putting in any way. This work actually reminded me of some of the pieces by Herbert Howells.

Allan Wicks (1923-2010) was a justly famous organist and choirmaster. His two main jobs were as organist of Manchester Cathedral (1954-1961) and then at Canterbury Cathedral (1961-1988).

The work is based upon the text of Psalm 121, which you can find in its entirety in the First Comment.

Personally, I've always found this psalm to be one of great beauty, but also one of strength and confidence. If you're going through any trials in your life, I recommend this text, and many of the other psalms as well.

The psalms give us such a great variety of moods, prayers and stories!

The one poor photo that I have of Arthur Milner is attached below, as well as one of Allan Wicks at the old organ of Manchester Cathedral. Also attached are some photos of the magnificent church of St. George's, Jesmond, where Arthur Milner served as organist.

More Milner coming soon.

I wish you peace.