Andante Religioso (2nd movement of the 'Sonata in D Minor')

John Ebeneezer West (Born: December 7, 1863, Hackney, London - Died: February 29, 1929, London) was an organist and founder of the North-East London Academy of Music.

West was taught at home by his father and received organ lessons from Frederick Bridge, organist at Westminster Abbey. From 1880-82, he studied at the Royal Academy of Music, where he was taught composition by his uncle, Ebenezer Prout, the respected authority on the fugues of Bach. He gained his Associateship from the Academy in 1898 and passed the Fellowship exam of the then "College of Organists".

He held successive organ posts in London at St. Mary’s, Bourdon Street; St. John of Jerusalem, South Hackney; and St. Augustine’s, Queen’s Gate.

In 1884, on his twenty-first birthday, he entered the music publishing firm of Novello & Company in London as an associate editor. Following the death of Berthold Tours in 1897, West succeeded to the post of chief editor and adviser. He was following in illustrious footsteps; apart from Tours, the post had been occupied by Joseph Barnby and John Stainer. He remained with Novello’s for 45 years, of which 32 were spent as chief editor. He retired shortly before his death in 1929.

He was a prolific composer and editor with nearly 500 published pieces, and was a pioneer in the field of editing.

West's monumental "Sonata in D Minor" was published by Novello Ewer & Co. in 1895. it is dedicated: "To the President, Council and Members of the Royal College of Organists."

In this work, we hear West as a well-founded composer, trained thoroughly in the classic tradition, but with a passionate, romantic fervor. The work is a milestone in the English Victorian organ literature.

"Andante Religioso" has a title that is VERY deceptive! The initial theme is developed with skill and creativity, working up to a passionate, virtuoso section in the middle.

The score & a photo of West & churches at which he served are attached below.

Tomorrow: "Allegro pomposo" - HEROIC!!!