Andantino

The American organist and composer, Richard Keys Biggs (16 September 1886 — 17 December 1962) received an Hon.Mus.D from Loyola University in Chicago. He studied in London with Sir Richard Runciman Terry, the founder of the Choir and Choir School at Westminster Cathedral (Roman Catholic) in London.

He worked in Southern California, and was organist of the San Diego Exposition, as well as of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Long Beach, as well as several other churches in Canada and in Brooklyn, New York. In all these churches, he either founded or directed choirs of men and boys, so, that "elevates" him, at least in my eyes... ;-). In the 1940’s he was director of the men's and boy's choirs of the new church and parochial school at Blessed Sacrament in Hollywood. California.

For years I've seen his name, but never bothered to look at his music. He is NOT related to the famous concert organist, E. Power Biggs, but his son, John Biggs is also a composer.

"Andantino" was published in Los Angeles in 1945 by the Delkas Music Publishing.

The work is sort of sad, but in a peacefully nice way. It reminded me of waves lapping against the shore.

I have quite a few other uploads by Biggs in case you might wish to check them out.

The score is attached below, as well as a photo of Richard Keys Biggs.

More summertime dreams coming very soon!