Andante (from the "Little Organ Book in Memory of Hubert Parry"

Charles Wood (1866-1926) was born in Armagh, Ireland. He was a treble chorister in the choir of St. Patrick's Cathedral (Church of Ireland). He received his early education at the Cathedral Choir School. In 1883 he entered the Royal College of Music, studying composition with C. V. Stanford & C. H. H. Parry. In 1889 he attained a teaching position at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, first as organ scholar and then as fellow in 1894, becoming the first Director of Music and Organist. After Stanford died, Wood assumed his mentor's vacant role as University of Cambridge Professor of Music in 1924. His pupils included Ralph Vaughan Williams at Cambridge and Herbert Howells at the Royal College of Music.

This small, attractive work is taken from "A Little Organ Book in memory of Hubert Parry," published by Aschberg, Hopwood & Crew Ltd. in 1924.

In the preface it states: "At Sir Hubert Parry's funeral in St. Paul's Cathedral on October 16, 1918, a few of his friends made a small wreath of melodies, which were woven together and played. The pieces in this Book have been written and given by these friends and a few besides, as a rather larger wreath, in loving memory of him. The title of the book was suggested by the original heading on his own piece (which stands as the first piece), "For the Little Organ Book." February 1924.

This small, elegant piece is ninth in the collection of thirteen - one by Parry, and the other twelve by the friends.

I think I have recorded all of the pieces in the collection, but I really should check...

The score is attached below, as well as photos of Charles Wood, Hubert Parry, and the chapel of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where Wood was organist.

Special and rare music for the Feast of Christ the King, for the 57th anniversary of the assassination of JFK, and of course for Thanksgiving Day - COMING SOON! :-)