There is a Green Hill

Charles Gounod (17 June 1818 – 17 or 18 October 1893) was famous for his many successful operas.

Like many French composers, he was an organist in his youth, and gave serious consideration to entering the priesthood.

I'm sorry that I'm not entirely clear on just "what this piece is!" It certainly sounds "like something I've heard," but then, MOST of Gounod's music can fall into that classification. ;-)

I can't imagine that he composed this with English words, but I can't find anything contrary to that. If anyone can correct this, please do so!

This arrangement was done by Edward Shippen Barnes (September 14, 1887 in Seabright, New Jersey – February 14, 1958, in Idyllwild, California) was an American organist. He was a graduate of Yale University where he studied with Horatio Parker and Harry Jepson. After graduating from Yale, Barnes continued his studies in Paris with Louis Vierne,Vincent D'Indy, and Abel Decaux. He worked as organist at the Church of the Incarnation, New York (1911–1912), Rutgers Presbyterian Church, New York (1913–1924), St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Philadelphia (1924–1938), and the First Presbyterian Church, Santa Monica (1938–1958).

Although he is largely forgotten as a composer, Barnes was quite successful, composing several organ symphonies, suites, and shorter works. He is most remembered for his harmonization of the Christmas carol, "Angels, we have heard on high," which is the version that appears in most American hymnals.

Barnes' arrangement of "There is a Green Hill" was published by Theodore Presser Co. in 1929. It's an effective "working" of the material, and the sound on the Dudelange organ is a bit more "rustic" (and better?) than it might sound on something more smooth and suave... ;-)

The score is attached below, as well photos of Charles Gounod and Edwin Shippen Barnes.

My sample set spotlight featuring the Dudelange organ will come shortly after Easter!