Shining Shore (Seven Sketches, Op. 34, No. 3)

Edward Shippen Barnes (September 14, 1887 in Seabright, New Jersey – February 14, 1958, in Idyllwild, California) was an American organist. He was a graduate of Yale University where he studied with Horatio Parker and Harry Jepson. After graduating from Yale, Barnes continued his studies in Paris with Louis Vierne,Vincent D'Indy, and Abel Decaux. He worked as organist at the Church of the Incarnation, New York (1911–1912), Rutgers Presbyterian Church, New York (1913–1924), St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Philadelphia (1924–1938), and the First Presbyterian Church, Santa Monica (1938–1958).

Although he is largely forgotten as a composer, Barnes was quite successful, composing several signifcant organ symphonies, suites, and shorter works. He is most remembered for his harmonization of the Christmas carol, "Angels, we have heard on high," appearing in most American hymnals.

"Seven Sketches" were published by The Boston Music Co. in 1923. The group of pieces shows considerable variety. Some of the works show the strong influence of Louis Vierne, while others are much more "American" in their outlook.

The third work in the collection is "Shining Shore (Prelude on the Gospel Hymn-tune by George F. Root)".

This piece is based upon the well-known Gospel song, and while it is quite effective, you do have to work at it quite a bit. The work is expansive, and rambles like an improvisation.

Despite some awkward spots, I do like the piece quite a bit. It certainly is one of the "American" pieces in the collection.

Anyone who knows my "preferences" knows me to be a staunch, High Churchman who would NEVER do a gospel song in a liturgical setting!

However, I do fully admit that I do like this hymn and quite a few others similar to it. The genuine, bedrock principles of many of these texts is full of faith and strong comfort.

The score is attached below, as well as photos of Edwin Shippen Barnes, Farnam, and George Root, as well as some of the churches Barnes served.