| Description: | Alfred Hollins (11 September 1865 – 17 May 1942) was an English organist, composer and teacher, who was noted as a recitalist in Scotland. He was born in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England, and was blind from birth. His mother died while he was young, and little is known about his father. After his mother's death, Hollins was sent to live with his "Aunt Mary", who gave him his first piano lesson.
In 1878, he enrolled at the Royal Normal College for the Blind at Upper Norwood. He impressed the Principal of his potential as a musician such that he was given the opportunity to study with Frits Hartvigson on the piano and Dr E.J. Hopkins on the organ. Hollins then presented several successful concerts, and the opportunity arose for Hollins to study in Berlin under Hans von Bülow.
In the ensuing eleven years, he was organist at Upper Norwood Presbyterian Church, at the People's Palace (Crystal Palace) and teaching piano and organ at the Royal Normal College for the Blind. For many years, until the end of his life, he was organist at the Free St. George's Church in Edinburgh.
In 1922, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Edinburgh University. This was in addition to being made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Organists in 1904.
In 1925/26 Hollins gave a major tour of the United States, during which he visited sixty-five cities.
"Christmas Cradle Song" was published by Novello in 1934. It is dedicated: "To my friend W. Scott Frackelton".
The work is marked "Placidamente" but the MM given is really on the quick side. As I did this earlier today, I found myself preparing it at the mark, and then slowing it down a little, as the cradle rock was quite vigorous initially! I think this is about right.
The work makes use of the famous "Adeste fideles" in a sweet and creative way. Not an easy piece, really, but worth the effort.
The score is attached below, as well as four photos of Alfred Hollins. |
Sign up today to download piece.
See what Agnus_Dei used to make this recording