South Wind (The Four Winds, No. 2)

Alec Rowley was born in London on 13 March 1892, teacher, composer, organist, pianist, lecturer and writer, who studied at the RAM with Frederick Corder and where he won sundry scholarships and prizes. He was an organist at several London churches including, during the Second World War, St Margaret's, Westminster. He died on 11 January 1958 while playing tennis.

In 1925, Rowley published the highly-unique set of "The Four Winds," each of which are inspired by a verse of poetry. In these comparative recordings, I've tried to show the same piece with 4 different recordings: 2 on the Armley Schulze (far and near listening positions), and 1 each on Hereford and Salisbury. These are different recordings, and not just "duplicates" through using a MIDI file.

I know that people have commented that my uploads are "soft." My settings are at 100% master volume, and I run most of my sets at the "default" -10db. Full organ hits RED on all these instruments.

I think part of the issue of volume is because you may not realize that a lot of these are SOFT pieces. "South Wind" uses only a few stops, as it seeks to replicate the effect of the leaves rustling on a gently, southerly wind. Also, in some cases, the listening position may cause a "softer" sound.

If what you normally like to listen to is a "Bach-sound," yes, these pieces will seem very soft to you - because they are!

A few stops, listened to at a considerable distance are going to seem very quiet, but this is the way a piece like this will sound in the real room.

I appreciate ALL of my listeners, especially when you comment (to which I am behind in answering). In a case like this, you may just have to increase your volume while listening, but I think you will be pleased with the effect!

The score is attached below, as well as the MIDI file, a photo of Rowley, a photo of Fred Gostelow, to whom this pieces is dedicated, and photos of Luton Parish Church where he was organist.

Musical notes in 1st Comment.