Seranata

Homer C Nearing (1895-1986), was born in Springfield, Missouri, and graduated from the Kansas City Conservatory of music. During his career, he was a music professor and church musician from 1914 until 1920 in Texas. While there, he was inspired to compose his impressionistic organ suites by the history and terrain of the Southwestern United States.

"Seranata" was published by the H. W. Gray in 1931 as "No. 541" in the large and once very popular "St. Cecilia Series".

The work is dedicated: "To Marguerite Nearing", which I presume is the composer's wife. :-)

Written in the key of A major, "Seranata" is marked "Andantino," but no metronome mark is given. I don't know if it is so, but I have the feeling that I took my performance quicker than Nearing may have intended, but the result is delightful, and somewhat "French sounding" in the outcome.

As with the previous Foster/Lemare upload, it was not possible to follow the composer's registrations. However, I think you'll like the effects that you hear.

The score is attached below, as well as a photo of Homer Nearing.