At the Temple Gates

Gatty Sellars (1887-1938) was described during his career as “the world’s greatest descriptive organist.” He played on radio and in films, and was filmed playing his "At the Temple Gates," at Central Hall, Westminster, which you can see on youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJxhIVdCX98

It's the very same work, "At the Temple Gates" that I've uploaded today - in two versions.

I believe that this is Sellars' most well-known work, and you'll immediately see why, assuming that you like this style of music.

If you think that the two versions means a "replication played twice," I can assure you that these are two completely "different" versions - different colors, phrasing, tempi, and most of all emotion.

Sellars calls for a "bell" at several points, but I've had to do the "optional" version, which is different, but excellent.

This scene must surely by of one standing at the gates of the Heavenly Temple. What else could it be?

We see and feel the solemn grandeur and ceremony, the devotion, the excitement of thousands upon thousands singing joyful praise, the hushed reverence as we behold the Almighty, in all of His terrible beauty, and then all creation joins in the final chorus.

The emotional ending is quite overwhelming, and you'll find tremendous "release" on the final chord. To me, Hereford is the "better" version of the two presented here.

The scene depicted in this piece must surely be a Trinitarian one. What else could produce such a memorable scene?

I can't help but feel that this is based upon a well-known hymn of the Trinity, "Bright the vision that delighted", the text by Richard Mant.

That's just my own thinking, but I inserted the full text in the First Comment. Perhaps you'll find it meaningful to read the text while listening.

The score, published in 1930, is attached below (THANK YOU, Dr. John Henderson!). Also attached are several photos of Gatty Sellars, including one of his signature.

Tomorrow, some music by Ernest Halsey.