This is a new printing of the original edition on sturdy, acid-free paper. Swinnen copyrighted “Aria” in 1952 and H W Gray published it two years later. His beautiful melody is suitable as quiet and contemplative service music. 12 pages. Highest quality guaranteed. Size of music is 9.5" x 12.5". $8.00.

Firmin Swinnen (1885-1972), like César Franck, was born in Belgium. The name of Firmin Swinnen may not have a high recognition factor today, but from 1914 until the mid-1950s he was a celebrity organist, first in Britain then in the United States. His greatest claim to fame was his 32-year association with Longwood Gardens. Swinnen was better known for his performing — and improvising — than for his published works, but his handful of compositions have real merit and deserve to be heard. (Read Colvin Randall’s full article in Longwood Sketches: In the Shadow of the Old Trees.) Moderate.