Grand Chœur in C

Rollo F. Maitland (10 December 1884 — 7 April 1953) was born near Williamsport, PA, and received his first musical instruction from his father. His only organ teacher was Dr. David D. Wood, an early proponent of Bach's organ music in America. Maitland was also a professional violinist. He earned fellow and choirmaster certificates from the American Guild of Organists, and headed the organ department at the Philadelphia Musical Academy, where he had earned his doctorate. In his career he performed major recitals and radio broadcasts on some of the country's largest and most famous instruments, including the Wanamaker organ in Philadelphia, and the Midmer-Losh Atlantic City Convention Hall organ. He composed numerous organ and piano pieces, as well as anthems and songs. He died in 1953 at the age of 68.

Rollo Maitland recorded for the Edison Diamond Disc label in 1927 and 1928. All of his recordings for Edison were done on the Midmer-Losh organ in the Edison Columbia Street recording studio. Dr. Maitland was prominent both as a classical organist and as a theatre organist.

"Grand Chœur in C" was published in 1927 by Theodore Presser Co. It is a rather nice example of the "Grand Chœur style" and will please the listener and give the organist a bit of a workout, due largely to the brisk tempo and active pedal part.

The Armley Schulze is a splendid organ, but exactly the right choice for this piece. However, the reeds are heroic, and the effect is grand, although a little "different" from what the composer would have heard.

The score is attached below, as well as two photo of Rollo Maitland, a photo of New Jerusalem Church in Philadelphia, when it was still a church. Like many grand old downtowners, it was closed and converted to an office complex. :-(

To hear a different perspective from the same composer, I recommend "At Sundown," which you can find here:

https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/27539