Scenes on the Downs, Op. 29 (Fourth Suite for Organ)

This upload is dedicated to Dr. John Henderson (RSCMJOHN).

Because of the extreme changes in dynamics, you may need to adjust your volume while listening!

For 45 years organist of Blackpool Parish Church, Frederic Herbert Wood (1880–1963) was a composer whose contribution to the native school of romantic organ music deserves wider recognition, in particular for his colorful suites inspired by the English countryside, of Northumberland, of Kent, and of the downland. The scenes evoked bare the strong imprint of the past – from venerable bridges and cathedrals to Roman ruins, prehistoric earthworks and Stonehenge – amidst river and valley and orchard captured in different moods and times of the day. There is plenty of craft in this music too: stirring, romantic harmonies and varied textures generously registered, with a purposeful sense of form giving strength and direction to the attractive pictorial element. The range of Wood’s other interests, which included spiritualism and the speech of ancient Egypt, suggests a fascinating individual, who was also a Doctor of Music from Durham University and a noted lecturer and adjudicator.

Like all of these suites, "Scenes on the Downs" is very demanding, in technical execution as well as managing the kaleidoscopic changes of sounds and colors. It is dedicated: "To my friend Norman Cocker." (1889-1953).

Based upon the opus numbers, this suite may have resulted from a combination of different pieces, perhaps written at different times. The suite was published by Stainer and Bell Ltd. in 1929.

The score is not attached since this publication is an excellent reprint available from Michael's Music Service.

michaelsmusicservice.com

I've given the quotes that are at the head of each movement in the First Comment, as well as individual timings. In addition, I've included photos of the places depicted, which are attached below. Also attached are two photos of Frederic H. Wood and one of the dedicatee, Norman Cocker.