Meditation: "Veni, veni Emmanuel" (Three Pieces based on Plainsong, No.3)

Clifford Harker (1912-1999) was most known for his long and distinguished tenure as organist of Bristol Cathedral.

He took over the console of Bristol Cathedral at a time of great change. Hubert Hunt had ruled the organ loft for most of the first half of this century but his successor, Alwyn Surplice, stayed for just three years before moving to Winchester. Between his appointment in 1949 and his retirement in 1983, Harker held firm to the musical and choral traditions of Bristol's great 12th-century centre of worship creating a force of stability for those who worshipped and sang there.

"Meditation: 'Veni, veni Emmanuel'" is the third of "Three Pieces (based on Plainsong Themes)" published by Bosworth & Co. Ltd. in 1956.

The style is expressive and typical of what you would expect to hear from the pen of an English cathedral organist, writing in the middle of the 20th century.

The harmonies are conservative, but well managed, with a fine sense of melody, and there is an air of mystery and mysticism about it. An excellent climax is reached before the hushed ending is arrived at.

Several photos of Clifford Harker, as well as some of the magnificent Bristol Cathedral are attached below.