An Arcadian Sketch

The name of Roy Spaulding Stoughton, used to be quite well-known, although you don't hear too much about him these days.

He was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on January 28, 1884, and died on February 1, 1953. The little bit of information that I have on him says (as of 1919) that he "is a teller in a Bank, and is not at present engaged actively as an organist, devoting all his spare time to composition."

His work in a bank, along with his unique and colorful writing certainly give him claim for an "unusual position" in the organ world!

Many of his pieces, are elaborate, highly evocative works, that will challenge the performer in terms of technical execution and registrational aptitude.

"An Arcadian Sketch" is a smaller work, but still carries the fingerprints of the composer. It is rich, fragrantly pungent, and idyllic in the impression that it makes.

The work is dedicated to Sumner Salter". Salter (1856-1944) was also a native of Massachusetts. He was well-known as a performer and teacher, and was also active as a composer.

You can hear a recording of his "Aspiration" here:
https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/35035

This edition of "An Arcadian Sketch" is not the original, but is the one published by Bardon Music.

If you enjoyed this piece, you can find quite a few works by Roy Spaulding Stoughton among my uploads here on the Concert Hall.

My "Summertime Dream Series" is getting a late start due to my ongoing health issues, but I've already done some other works for the series, as well as completing a substantial set of six pieces by the famous Marco Enrico Bossi, so, I hope you will give these a listen as I upload them. :-)

Attached below as a photo of Roy Spaulding Stoughton, as well as one of the dedicatee, Sumner Salter. Also attached is a photo of the Arcadian region in Greece, plus a 1838 painting entitled "Dream of Arcadia" by the artist Thomas Cole.

Peace to All.