Hommage à Mendelssohn (Three-Part Song without Words), Op. 81

John Baptiste Calkin (16 March 1827, London – 15 April 1905) was an English composer, organist and music teacher. He was born in London on 16 March 1827, the son of James Calkin (1786–1862), composer and pianist. Reared in a musical atmosphere, he studied music under his father, and his three brothers, Joseph, James, and George, also adopted the profession.

When nineteen Calkin was appointed organist, precentor, and choirmaster of St Columba's College, Dublin, in succession to Edwin George Monk. St. Columba's College was a school mainly for the boys of the upper classes and for candidates for the ministry of the Church of Ireland; music and the Irish language were prominent features in the curriculum. From 1846 to 1853, Calkin maintained a high standard of choral music at St. Columba's, and he cultivated composition. From 1853 to 1863 he was organist and choirmaster of Woburn Chapel, London; from 1863 to 1868 organist of Camden Road Chapel; and from 1870 to 1884 organist at St. Thomas's Church, Camden Town.

In 1883, Calkin became professor at the Guildhall School of Music under Thomas Henry Weist-Hill, and concentrated on teaching and composing. He was on the council of Trinity College, London, a member of the Philharmonic Society (1862), and a fellow of the College of Organists, incorporated in 1893.

"Hommage à Mendelssohn" was published by Novello and is very reminiscent of some of the fine "duet and trio writing" of Mendelssohn's style. The duet, "I waited for the Lord" comes to mind.

This piece features the Swell Oboe with tremulant against the Stopped Diapason of the Choir. My wife said it sounded like "silent movie music" to her, but I find it well-written and entirely sincere.

I dedicate this with friendship and admiration to our member, Wolfram Syre. It was his upload of "Thanksgiving March" that gave me the idea of Calkin.

BRAVO, Wolfram!

The score is attached below, as well as a drawing of J. B. Cakin.

The MIDI file is also attached.