Fugue in C Minor (Seven Sketches, No. 7)

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 seventh and concluding work in the collection is "Fugue in C Minor". It bears no opus number, so may or may not date from the same time as others in the set.

The fugue opens in the bass, and the first page is quite dark and rumbly. There is an impressive buildup, and there are some interesting harmonic touches.

I'm not going to venture as to say whether the fugal writing is creative or academic. It stands unique in the collection, as most of the others are less massive than this one.

As mentioned, Barnes is now largely neglected, but his output is impressive, particularly his symphonies, assuming you have the technique and the means to get the many pages turned!

American organists should take a look at him.

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