Composer

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William H. Harris

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Keyboard

Compose Date

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1931

William H. Harris was an English composer and organist who lived from 1883 to 1973. He is best known for his choral music, particularly his Anglican church music. One of his lesser-known works is a set of four Short Pieces for organ, which he composed in 1933. The Short Pieces were premiered by Harris himself at a recital at St. George's Church in Hanover Square, London, on May 25, 1933. The set consists of four movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, marked "Allegro," is a lively and energetic piece in 6/8 time. It begins with a fanfare-like motif in the right hand, which is then echoed in the left hand. The two hands then engage in a lively dialogue, with the music building to a climax before subsiding into a quiet coda. The second movement, marked "Andante," is a slow and contemplative piece in 4/4 time. It begins with a gentle melody in the right hand, accompanied by a simple chordal pattern in the left hand. The melody is then passed between the hands, with the music gradually building in intensity before subsiding into a peaceful conclusion. The third movement, marked "Allegretto," is a playful and whimsical piece in 2/4 time. It begins with a jaunty melody in the right hand, accompanied by a bouncy bass line in the left hand. The melody is then passed between the hands, with the music becoming increasingly complex and virtuosic before ending with a flourish. The final movement, marked "Allegro con fuoco," is a fiery and dramatic piece in 3/4 time. It begins with a bold and declamatory theme in the right hand, accompanied by a driving rhythm in the left hand. The music then builds to a frenzied climax before ending with a triumphant coda. Overall, the Short Pieces are a charming and accessible set of organ works that showcase Harris's skill as a composer and organist. They are well-suited for use in recitals or as voluntaries in church services.

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