Lesson IV (Siciliana, Allegro, Minuet)

Samuel Long (circa 1725-1764) was organist of the parish church of St Peter le Poer in the City of London. He is listed as 'Mr Samuel Long, Organist of St Peter-le-Poor, Broad-street' and was among the subscribers to William Riley's essay "Parochial Music Corrected," London: 1762, to which he contributed two psalm tunes to the accompanying anthology, "Parochial Harmony."

A further three psalm tunes by Long were included in "A Collection of Melodies for the Psalms of David, according to the version of Christopher Smart," published by J. Walsh in 1765. One further new tune attributed to Long was included in the collection "The Divine Harmonist's Assistant," London: [c1786], which was compiled by William Riley and published posthumously by his widow, Another tune was included in Francis Roome's "The Harmony of Jerusalem," London: (1801).

Several songs by Long were published during his lifetime, and a set of "Four Lessons and two Voluntarys for the Harpsichord or Organ" was published posthumously by his widow [c1770].

This attractive "suite" is the fourth of these "Four Lessons," and consists of three movements: "Siciliana, Allegro, Minuet." The music is attractive, but quite "typical" of its time.

It could make for some nice preludes, postludes, etc.

I've played some "edited" movements from some of the voluntaries, so, maybe I'll take a look at some of those.

The score is attached below, as well as a drawing of the Church of St. Peter le Poer, which was quite "decorative," but compared by some to appearing to be more of a "lecture hall than a church..."

Really? Too bad this critic can't take a look at some of the modern "masterpieces" that pass as churches.

Peace to All!