Plaint (10 Compositions, No. 9)

Harvey Grace (1874–1944) was an English organist and music writer. He was a chorister at Romsey Abbey, studied under Madeley Richardson at Southwark Cathedral, and became Organist of St. Mary Magdelene, Munster Square, London. He was editor of The Musical Times and a noted author and adjudicator. He was Organist and Master of the Choristers at Chichester Cathedral from 1931 until 1937. His years at Chichester coincided with a new awareness of liturgical solemnity; plainsong was used regularly at some of the weekday services from May 1936. Grace was appointed Commissioner of the School of English Church Music in 1937, and resigned at the end of the year. He joined the staff of Trinity College of Music in 1939, and also acted as Organist of East Grinstead Parish Church during World War II.

"Ten Compositions," which are in two volumes, were published by Schott & Co. in 1922. "Plaint" is the ninth piece in the collection, and is dedicated: "To my Wife." It is highly expressive, and very sad.

The main solo is first carried by the Solo Clarinet, and then by the Solo strings. The accompaniment is played largely on the Swell strings. The "final solo stop" is the 8' flute of the Swell, playing against the wonderful Unda maris of the Solo, but with and without the 4' coupler.

This is, as I said, a very sad work, which Grace asks to be played in a "Free and swaying rhythm. It is written in a very chromatic A minor, and remains in the minor at the conclusion.

The score is attached below, as well as two photos of Harvey Grace.

For fans of the "Faulkes Follies," be on the lookout for his massive and dramatic "Sonata in D Minor" - COMING SOON!