Finale alla Minuet

John Arthur Meale (1880-1932) was born in Slaithwaite, near Huddersfield, England, Dec. 18th, 1880, and died in Hendon, Dec. 9th, 1932. The name was spelt Meal in the register of births.

He was a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists, and served as organist of Marsden Congregational Church, 1896-99, of Selby Wesleyan Church, 1899-1905, of The Queens Hall, Hull, 1905-12, and of Westminster Central Hall, London, beginning in 1912.

He composed organ pieces, anthems, and songs.

Finale alla Minuet was published by Stainer & Bell Ltd. in 1914 as No. 42 in "The Organ Recitalist." It is dedicated "To my friend, Bernard Johnson," who was the editor of the series.

"Finale alla Minuet" is written very much in the "Grand chœur" manner, similar to some works of Guilmant, and other composers of the time.

The vigorous tempo is maintained throughout, although the dynamics show great contrast. The harmonies are bold in the final page is a thrilling one, especially when the Solo tuba makes its appearance!

This work is the type that were favorites of the great "civic organists," and no doubt of their enthusiastic audiences as well. In the day when organist reigned as "musical monarchs," they played huge numbers of recitals. Much of the material was of high quality, but without being "too deep," as is the case with this work.

The music is colorful and tuneful and a real attention-grabber, but it is "simple" enough to appeal to the average listener, the type of listener that made up the majority of these large audiences.

I'm pretty certain that this is one that will make you smile!

The score is attached below, as well as photos of J. A. Meale, Bernard Johnson, and several of the places that Meale served as organist.