Desert Impressions (1. Tabernacle Butte; 2. Tumbleweed)

William Arthur Goldsworthy (1878-1966) was born in England and moved to the USA in 1887.

He was a pupil of the Canadian/American organist, Samuel P. Warren, and served atseveral New York City churches. In addition, he played at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

The name of W. A. Goldsworthy is known to me, not through is music, but due to the fact that he often "worked out" registrations for Hammond organs for many works issued by American printing houses.

"Desert Impressions - A Suite for Organ" was published by J. Fischer & Bro. in 1954. Each of the four movements (Tabernacle Butte, Tumbleweed, Ghost Town, & The Glory of Late Afternoon) is dedicated to a famous American organist from the 20th century. I had intended to upload this as one "piece" in its entirety, but the size is just beyond the allowed space limits, so, I've uploaded it in two chunks (movements 1 & 2 and then 3 & 4). It does detract somewhat, as it really wants to be listened to as a whole.

The style and harmonic language is "modern" and very much in the mode of much music from the 50s and 60s. It can be quite beautiful at times but can also be dissonant and quite harsh. The third movement, "Ghost Town" is based upon a twelve-tone row.

The registrational demands are intense, requiring a large organ. In certain spots, such as the big "thunder section" (my words) in the first movement, I'm sure that Goldsworthy intended a crescendo pedal. In my performance, I push eight general pistons up and then the same pistons in reverse, and the effect is excellent, maybe even terrifying... ;-)

All things considered, the old Peterborough Hill does a first rate job of handling the colors and sounds required!

The score is attached below as well as two photos of WIlliam A. Goldsworthy, as well as period photos of the dedicatees, and two scenic shots of the place or thing being depicted.

Detailed notes are in the FIRST COMMENT.

Coming tomorrow: "3. Ghost Town; 4. The Glory of Late Afternoon"