Hommage a Purcell

C. Alexander Peloquin (June 16, 1918, Northbridge, Massachusetts – February 27, 1997, Providence, Rhode Island) was an American composer of liturgical music, pianist, teacher, cathedral organist and director of music ministries. Inspired by the Second Vatican Council reforms, he is known for composing the first Roman Catholic Mass sung in English. Born in Northbridge, he began his musical training at the age of eight, studying studied piano and organ. At the age of eleven, he performed classical piano on his own radio program for WTAG in Worcester, Massachusetts. Peloquin went on to study at the New England Conservatory where he earned a Boston Symphony Orchestra Scholarship to the Berkshire Music Center at Tanglewood. At Tanglewood, Peloquin served as piano soloist for Leonard Bernstein and his orchestra. Also at that time, Peloquin had the privilege of knowing Aaron Copland. Peloquin was awarded honorary degrees by institutions including Brown University. During World War II, Peloquin served in the Army where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant. He served as bandmaster for the 314th Army Band and performed the music. After the war Peloquin began a 13 year relationship with The Catholic Hour, which was syndicated first on NBC radio and then on CBS television. In 1950, Peloquin became the organist and Director of Music Ministries of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence, Rhode Island and remained until his retirement in 1991.


"Hommage a Purcell" is a very cool "take off" of the famous "Trumpet Voluntary" of Henry Purcell - or probably Jeremiah Clarke. It was commissioned 1in 1958 for a book entitled "Processiones Liturgicae", and published by McLaughlin & Reilly Co. of Boston.

I'll let the music speak for itself, and I've included a MIDI file - in case you like to watch... ;-)

WARNING - it's going to make you SMILE!!! :-)