Cradle Song on "St. Sylvester"

George Albert Burdett (1856-1943) was a Boston organist who published a number of organ works.

"Cradle Song on 'St. Sylvester'" was published by The Arthur P. Schmidt Co. in 1923. It is dedicated: "To Roland Diggle, Mus. Doc.," and is based upon the tune, "St. Sylvester", composed by John B. Dykes (1823-1876). It is a tune that has pretty much disappeared from use andt appears to be a hymn for children, and the text that Burdett quotes at the top of the score is: "Jesus, tender Shepherd, hear me: Bless Thy little lamb tonight."

In this recording, you hear a number of contrasting flutes, of which there are many. Most are of the "harmonic" or "open" type. The "French-hornlike" solo near the begin is actually the Solo orchestral flute played in the tenor register.

If you're following the score, and waiting for the appearance of the Vox Humana at the top of the last page, sorry, but I did not use it! To me, it's not a pleasant one, and is not as "smooth" as you would expect on a Casavant of this vintage.

There is a LOT to be found in this organ, but you have find it. It's the sort of instrument that reigned supreme in the US at one time. Skinner, Austin, and these old Casavants all in contention with one another.

MORE seasonal recordings coming! I really need to get back to my Advent uploads, and realize that I shouldn't be playing all this Christmas music so early in the season! :-)

The score is attached below.

Peace to all!