Autumn Soliloquy

Autumn arrives in Jersey City today at 3:21 PM, so, this is marking the occasion is a few hours early. :-)

All of the Purvis pieces that I've been uploading have elements of "classical" and "popular" about them. THIS one is full theater, and that's how I played it - and Salisbury CAN handle this one, even in it's full theatrical garb!

It was published in 1971 and is the first of 4 "Gentle Moods". It is dedicated: "For Larry Vannucci." Vannucci (1918-1993) was a well-known and highly popular organist.

This work is intense and moody, and evokes the melancholy emotions that the changing of the season often evokes. The harmonies are rich and sophisticated, and the melody memorable.

Richard (Irven) Purvis (August 25, 1913 – December 25, 1994) was an American organist, composer, conductor and teacher. He is especially remembered for his expressive recordings of the organ classics and his own lighter compositions for the instrument.

He entered the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia in 1934. He was initially taught organ by Alexander McCurdy and conducting by Fritz Reiner. Further studies were with Josef Levine, Edward Bairstow and Marcel Dupré.

During World War II, while serving as a bandmaster, Purvis was captured and held as a prisoner of war for six months.

From 1947 through 1971, Purvis held the position of Organist and Master of Choristers at Grace Cathedral, where he helped to form a cathedral school for boys, ensuring the continuation of the all male choir tradition. He was also organist at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor. Upon his retirement from Grace Cathedral, he continued to compose, teach and give recitals into his 70’s. He died on December 25, 1994 at the age of age of 81.

These rare works were shared with me by a friend, to whom they are dedicated!

If you are interested in the scores, please contact me privately.

Photos of Richard Purvis, of Larry Vannucci, and of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco are attached below.