At Sunrise

John Arthur Meale (1880-1932) was born in Slaithwaite, near Huddersfield, England, Dec. 18th, 1880, and died in Hendon, Dec. 9th, 1932.

He was Musical Director at the Central Hall, Westminster from its opening in 1912 until his death in 1932, giving some six hundred Wednesday recitals and many Saturday Popular Concerts. A noted exponent of the "orchestral" school or organ playing, an FRCO and a recitalist much in demand all over the country he came to Doncaster on several occasions after the First World War and played among other things his own "tone pictures" The Mighty Andes, Fountain Melody, In Peril on the Sea, the Introduction, Variations and Fugue on The Vicar of Bray, the pedal study "The Magic Harp, At Sunrise, Impressions sur la Belgique, A Night at Sea and March Patrol. Other organ solos by him included Sunny, The Storm, composed as a feature for a church bazaar at Selby, Twilight, Canto Religioso and A Summer Idyll (1917); his output included also anthems and many songs. He prepared the specification for the organ in Hull City Hall and for many others.

"At Sunrise" was published by W. Paxton & Co. Ltd. in 1921. It is dedicated: "To my friend, Gatty Sellars."

Gatty Sellars (1887-1938) was Organist at the Queen's Hall in London. During his career he was described as “the world’s greatest descriptive organist.” He played on radio and in films, and was filmed playing his "At the Temple Gates," at Central Hall, Westminster, which you can see on youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJxhIVdCX98

I have uploaded "At the Temple Gates," and several other works by Sellars, if you are interested.

"At Sunrise" is a delight, and a very happy way to start your day. Arthur Meale must have been a very nice chap, as his music always reflects light heartedness and joy.

Speaking of nice chaps, I received this score from our member, "Dabchurch." THANK YOU, David! This upload is dedicated to you!

The score and photos of Meale and Sellars are attached below.