Contemplation (Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence) - Three Carol Preludes, No. 1

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.

"Contemplation" is the first of "Three Carol Preludes", which were published by Gentry Publications in 1985. It is dedicated: "For Ted Alan Worth". Worth was a student of Virgil Fox, and was a well-known concert organist.

This work uses the well-known French carol tune "Picardy" as its subject. This melody is linked with the magnificent words of Gerald Moultrie (1829-1885), and sets the mood for the solemn awe of Christmas, although they are used at other times as well.

Purvis's setting is solemn and mystical, despite the fact of the steady flow. The registrations are conceived in an "orchestral manner," and I've been able to follow Purvis' ideas for the most part.

Photos of Richard Purvis, of the dedicatee, Ted Alan Worth, and of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco are attached below. The full text is given in the First Comment.

MUCH more Christmas music to come, including some large works, most of them quite rare.

Peace to All!