Pastorale in B Minor

Guy Michell (1876-1939) was an organist in Brighton. He was a student of the great Edwin H. Lemare. Lemare had very few students, so he must have held Michell in high esteem.

He published a number of works, and played largely French repertoire as well as his own compositions in his numerous recitals.

"Pastorale" was published "No. 230" in "The Organ Loft" series. It is dedicated: "To my Mother."

This piece really does show the influence of Guilmant, and is more French in its flavor.

It features some introductory material, followed by a winding, dark and hypnotic melody played upon the Swell oboe, accompanied by delicate figuration played upon the Choir dulciana. For some phrases, Michell directs to add the "Sub octave" to the oboe, but since the Hill is an independent 16' oboe on the Swell, I've used that instead in order to maintain more variety in the color.

There is a central section played upon the vox humana of the Solo, set against a "descant" of continuously running 16th notes, played here upon the 4' flute of the Swell.

The opening material returns and is repeated essentially verbatim, but this time the harmonies lead us toward the final conclusion played upon the Swell strings over a soft 32' in the Pedal.

This piece reminded me of several pieces that Guilmant wrote, and I think my listeners will agree that this one has a much stronger French influence.

The score, courtesy of Dr. John Henderson, is attached below.