Chanson

William Richard James McLean (b.1858) was organist Clerkenwell, Fulham and to the Grand Lodge of Masons.

"Chanson" appears in Volume 58 of "The Organ Loft" series, published by The Vincent Music Co. Ltd. in 1909, where it appears as "No. 174" in the collection. The work is dedicated: "To Leonard Hart, Esq."

By definition, a "chanson" is described as a "French art song".

While this chanson is not a French anything (although perhaps there are "French overtones in it), it is certainly song-like and delightful to experience.

The colors are essential to the effect, as is the "string-bass" and accompaniment, that I think must be kept pretty much "in time," with the opportunity to "bend" a bit here and there. :-)

The Hereford Willis did a fine job with this, although I did have to think creatively, such as playing a 4' flute down the octave, etc.

I think that perhaps this upload should come with another one of those infamous "smile warnings" that I sometimes issue!

The score is attached below, but I have no photos to attach with it at this time.