The Cactus (Scenes from a Mexican Desert, No. 2)

Homer C Nearing (1895-1986), was born in Springfield, Missouri, and graduated from the Kansas City Conservatory of music. During his career, he was a music professor and church musician from 1914 until 1920 in Texas. While there, he was inspired to compose his impressionistic organ suites by the history and terrain of the Southwestern United States.

"Scenes from a Mexican Desert" was published by H. W. Gray in 1921. It contains five movements and is without dedication.

I had intended to do these works as one upload, but the work is too large. So, rather than split it into 3 + 2, I'll do the movements individually.

Like all of Nearing's "depictive suites," this one does a nice job of "painting pictures" and conveying the place or situation to be shown.

"The Cactus" is an attractive movement with a nice flow to it. The harmonies are mostly dark and quite modal. There is a certain "sadness" about the section. A nice contrast is achieved in the central section where the Solo clarinet, under sustained chords on the Swell strings, has a chance to join in. The line is chromatic, and the music gradually shifts back to the material of the opening section.

There are a number of "questionable" notes in this movement, which made it very frustrating for me as I want to "get it right" but how can I know? :-(

Eventually, I just went with my instincts.

The score is attached below, however I warn you that there are MANY mistakes, inconsistencies, and questionable accidentals throughout the entire suite!

Also attached is a photo of Homer Nearing and several photos of the noble cactus standing bravely in the desert surroundings.

I originally tried to name the exact cactus type of plant you are looking at, but eventually, I decided just to call them "Cactus 1," "Cactus 2," and "Cactus 3." :-)

Tomorrow: "Mirage"