Walloon Christmas Rhapsody

Gustave Ferrari (1872-1948) was born in Geneva, Switzerland. He studied organ at the Geneva Conservatory and the Paris Conservatoire. He held a number of organist positions in Geneva before moving to London, England. In London he was a successful pianist and conductor. He was introduced to Mme Yvette Guilbert and became her accompanist. He accompanied her to New York and remained in the U.S. the remainder of his life. He was a musical director for stage works and was conductor of the Manhattan Opera House. He specialized in presenting recitals with various vocalists. He contributed to the 1906 “Grove’s Dictionary of Music and Musicians” and had a small role in the 1936 film “Men of Yesterday.” His compositions include incidental music for stage works, songs, organ, violin and piano pieces, choruses, and arrangements of folk songs.

If you are like me, you might know just who/what/where Walloons is/are!

Walloons are a Gallo-Romance[ ethnic group native to Wallonia, Belgium. Walloons primarily speak langues such as Belgian French, Picard and Walloon. Walloons are primarily Roman Catholic, with a historical minority of Protestantism which dates back to the Reformation era.

In modern Belgium, Walloons are, by law, termed a "distinctive linguistic and ethnic community" within the country, as are the neighbouring Flemish, a Dutch (Germanic) speaking community.

The "Wallon Christmas Rhapsody" is attractive medley-piece, but some of it is impossible to play as written! I'm not sure if the composer did much playing of the organ, although most of the written is idiomatic to the style of our instrument.

It was published by H. W. Gray in the 1930 as part of their very large and popular "St. Cecilia Series." It is "Dedicated to Warren Holmes."

I've never heard of Gustave Ferrari before, but I've seen this for years, and finally decided to see what it sounded like, so, I hope my listeners will enjoy it!

The score is attached below, plus a painting of Gustave Ferrari.