Leibeslied (Idylle), Op. 3 No 1

Here's another one for the "Summertime Dream Series". This one will lull and soothe you, and hopefully bring you relaxing pleasure! :-)

Frederick Flaxington Harker (1876–1936) was an American organist and composer of sacred music.

He was born in Scotland and became the assistant organist to T. Tertius Noble at York Minster. He emigrated to the United States at 25, and served as Organist and Choirmaster of All Souls Episcopal Church (now the cathedral) in Asheville, North Carolina. He moved to New York city in 1904, but returned to All Souls in 1907. Beginning in 1914, Harker served as Organist and Choirmaster at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia.

Harker composed cantatas, anthems, choruses, songs both sacred and secular, and some works for organ. Harker was active as a music editor for G. Schirmer Inc. He edited many choral works, organ pieces, and John Stainer's classic text for organ students, "The Organ."

"Liebeslied (Idylle)" was published in Boston in 1913 by the Oliver Ditson Company.

It is a "love song" and pretty much what the title implies. It glides along, always flowing with a sense of line and small climaxes.

The form is essentially A-B-A with a tiny coda.

I have no photos of F. Flaxington Harker, but I did attached photos of All Souls Cathedral in Asheville, North Carolina, and of St. Paul's Church in Richmond, Virginia.