Esquisse (Seven Sketches, Op. 34, No. 4)

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 signifcant organ symphonies, suites, and shorter works. He is most remembered for his harmonization of the Christmas carol, "Angels, we have heard on high," appearing in most American hymnals.

"Seven Sketches" were published by The Boston Music Co. in 1923. The group of pieces shows considerable variety. Some of the works show the strong influence of Louis Vierne, while others are much more "American" in their outlook.

The fourth work in the collection is "Esquisse".

Unlike the American style of some of the pieces, this one is pure French, and showing the strong influence of Louis Vierne, Barnes' beloved teacher.

Despite the brevity of this movement, I could not help but immediately draw parallels between this piece and moments in Vierne's third and fourth symphonies.

I always admire people who play these "French items," but I'm afraid that I'm not one of those individuals. Nor is the Peterborough Hill ideal for the music. However, I think the organ and I did OK, although I don't see myself playing another one of these flying phantoms, where danger is always just one mistake away... ;-)

The score is attached below, as well as photos of Edwin Shippen Barnes and Lynwood Farnam, as well as some of the churches Barnes served.