Description: | I found this simple, pensive prelude whilst rummaging through IMSLP - one of my favourite pastimes :)
Jonathan Battishill was born in London in 1738. Battishill, who from the age of 9 was a chorister at St Paul's Cathedral, went on to serve as William Boyce's deputy at the Chapel Royal, before later being appointed organist of St Clement, Eastcheap (of citrus fruit fame). Three years later, he also became organist of Christ Church, Newgate Street. Battishill held both posts until his death in 1801. Unfortunately, I couldn't find out much about this piece. I wondered if it was based on a well known chant or hymn, perhaps? The melody certainly feels a bit like a decorated version of another tune. Perhaps someone recognises it?
I decided to record it twice - once on a Romantic instrument (Armley) and once on a (neo-) Baroque instrument (Azzio). If you have the time, please listen to both - I'd be interested to know which one you prefer. Thanks!
Addendum: I have since found out (thanks to a very interesting comment on my YouTube video) that William C. Carl made significant changes to the original piece by Battishill on which this work is based. Consequently, this could almost be considered a work by William C. Carl and not by Jonathan Battishill, as I originally thought. |