Milton: A Suite for the Organ - Paperback

by Nigel Edwards (Editor), Hugh Blair (Author)

Four movement suite for organ written around 1916 and dedicated to the composer's friend, Sir Edward Elgar. Each movement is inspired by a quotation from the works of the 17th century poet, John Milton - Ode on Time, Comus, and Il Penseroso. The music can be interpreted in the light of the prevailing national mood in the latter stages of the First World War and is suffused with a sombre optimism, of final victory over tragedy and waste.

Author Biography

HUGH BLAIR (1864-1932) was an English cathedral organist, composer, music editor, and friend of Sir Edward Elgar. He was for a while assistant organist then organist at Worcester Cathedral before moving to London where he was Director of Music for the Borough of Battersea. He was an important factor in helping to bring a number of Elgar's important early works into existence, including The Black Knight, which Elgar dedicated to him. Blair's composition include a number of fine works for the organ of which the "Milton" Suite is one of the most extensive.