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Heller Nicholls : In the Wood - 3 pieces for piano (1914)

452 views · Published 30 September 2014 · 7:38 · Indexed 14 October 2026

Channel: PSearPianist · 2014 · Music

1. Swaying Trees ( 0:08 ); 2. Night ( 2:17 ); 3. Running Water ( 4:27 )
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I know little about the life of the British composer (William) Heller Nicholls (1874-1939) except that he was born in Derbyshire, but latterly lived in Gloucestershire, and was a music master at Dean Close School near Cheltenham. One of his pupils there was the poet James Elroy Flecker. Nicholls was a prolific arranger, and writer of educational music, but also wrote light opera and orchestral music.

I originally intended to only record the last piece of this set, the brilliant 'Running Waters' - which definitely has 'hit' potential. However, the other two pieces have their merits as a memento of a bygone age and aesthetic (I am recording the set in the centenary year of its publication). I must admit that the connection with nature implied by the title seems very slight indeed! The set was dedicated to the British pianist, organist and composer Stanley Hawley (1867-1916) who was known as an accompanist (particularly of recitations) and who died prematurely shortly after being taken ill while concertizing in London. Hawley wrote a few piano pieces but is best known as an editor of other music, and as a composer of dramatic vocal ballads.
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Heller Nicholls : In the Wood - 3 pieces for piano (1914)

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