1952 Little Prelude by Earl George on a small foot pump organ played by Artis Wodehouse

Artis Wodehouse plays 1956 Little Prelude by Earl George on a small foot pump organ built by the Mason & Hamlin in Boston. George's Little Prelude was published in a 1956 folio called Panorama that included several short pieces by Eastman School of Music graduates. The introduction to the folio was written by the then-Director of the school, Howard Hanson and reads as follows:

"There has been a great and long-felt need in the field of piano literature for a volume of piano music of moderate difficulty suitable for teaching and performance and reflecting the spirit of its own time.

The editors of this book have answered effectively the question "Is it not possible to have modern music for the piano which is both playable and effective and which utilizes the harmonic, melodic and rhythmic devices whic are part o the music of today?"

Earl George (1924-1994) was, in 1952, at the beginning of a long and successful career in academic music. According to online Prabook: "Instructor, Julius Hartt Music Foundation, Hartford, Connecticut, 1948; assistant professor composition, University Texas, Austin, summer 1948; instructor theory and composition, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 1948-1956; professor, Syracuse (New York) U., 1959-1988; professor emeritus, Syracuse (New York) U., since 1988; music critic, Syracuse Herald-Journal, 1961-1992. Fulbright lecturer U. Oslo, Norway, 1955-1956. Conductor Syracuse University Singers, 1963-1969, Syracuse University Symphony Orchestra, 1971-1980, Syracuse University Summer Orchestra, 1971-1980."

While originally for piano, George's Little Prelude works well on Wodehouse's small pump organ that underscores the vocal melodies and polyphonic texture of this intricate short piece.

Photo of Earl George and Aaron Copland taken from the Syracuse-Herald courtesy Tom Quirk. Video captured 10/7/25.