Canto Religioso

John Arthur Meale (1880-1932) was born in Slaithwaite, near Huddersfield, England, Dec. 18th, 1880, and died in Hendon, Dec. 9th, 1932. The name was spelt Meal in the register of births.

He was a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists, and served as organist of Marsden Congregational Church, 1896-99, of Selby Wesleyan Church, 1899-1905, of The Queens Hall, Hull, 1905-12, and of Westminster Central Hall, London, beginning in 1912.

He composed organ pieces, anthems, and songs.

"Canto Religioso" was published by Gould & Bolttler in 1921 as "No. 17" in "The Organist Recital Series."

It is one sweet little piece. :-)

The piece is a song, sweet and simple in tune, and rather sad. It strikes me as being VERY "Italian," and was very satisfying to play.

After a brief intro, the main theme is presented, played upon the Solo clarinet, seductive and expressive. The central section moves to the major, and there is a nice, small crescendo, leading up to a dialogue between the 8' flutes of the Great against the vox humana of the Swell. The brightness of this central section fades away, and the darker, sadness returns, but then...

Well, you'll have to listen and find out! :-)

The Salisbury Willis always does full justice to this sort of piece.

My long-time listeners will know that I always do something of a "Summertime Dream Series," and although I didn't actually "announce it" this year, many of the pieces that I've been uploading would fit nicely into that program.

THANKS to John Henderson for the score, which is attached below.

Also included below is a photo of Arthur Meale, as well as two of the Methodist Central Hall, and one of the Queen's Hall.

I always say that based upon his photo, Arthur Meale looks to have been a very nice fellow. Certainly, his music bears witness to that fact! :-)

Peace to all.