Intermezzo

Joseph William George Hathaway (1870-1956) was organist of Tonbridge Parish Church for over 20 years. He travelled worldwide as an Examiner for the Associated Board, and taught at the Royal College of Music.

"Intermezzo" was published by the Vincent Music Co. Ltd. in 1909, and it appears in "The Organ Loft," where it appears as No. 168.

It is dedicated: "To my friend, H. C. Stewart."

Haldane Campbell Stewart (1868-1942) was a batsman for Kent when finding time for county cricket, died on June 16, aged 74. From 1892 to 1903 he was always a welcome member of the side, and he scored 2,846 runs in first-class cricket with an average of 22.76. He was a fine fieldsman. At Lord's in 1897 he made 142 against M.C.C., and played for Gentlemen against Players at Hastings in 1897. In 1903 he went with the Kent team to America, and was a prolific scorer.

A noted musician, H. C. Stewart was at different times a master at Lancing, Wellington, and Tonbridge schools, and was organist of Magdalen College, Oxford, from 1919 to 1938.

"Intermezzo" is a short, and oddly attractive scherzo-like work. The dynamics remain quiet throughout, and the constant murmuring or buzzing figuration made me think of a "polite" swarm of bees.

There are some delightful syncopations in the piece, and everything is very "neat," although getting it to all "fall together" is trickier than it may sound.

The three pieces I've uploaded today make for the complete volume of the "The Organ Loft", Book LVI, June 1909.

The score is attached below, as well as several photos of Tonbrige Parish Church, and a photo of H. C. Stewart, the dedicatee.