Alfred Gaul when composing always thinks of the necessary construction
for best bringing out the meaning of the words.
"This I do in the first place," he says, "without associating a
musical idea with the words. Having, as far as possible, arrived at a
conclusion on this point, I next think of the music, both as to melody
and harmony. All these points being settled to my satisfaction, the
work then proceeds with ease."
Mr. Gaul sets no particular part of the day aside for composing,
working sometimes early and sometimes late.
Of all his cantatas and other compositions his favourite is "The Ten
Virgins," Op. 42, a sacred cantata for four solo voices and chorus, and
this he considers his best work.
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As to the English being a musical nation, Mr. Gaul gives it as his
opinion that the greatly improved esteem entertained by foreigners for
English compositions and English performers may be taken as evidence of
our country being a decidedly musical one.
With regard to writing on commission, he adds: "I do not think one is
so likely to be as successful as under other conditions, although many
of the best works of recent years have been written to order, _i.e._,
in consequence of commissions given by festival committees." The
music is taken from Mr. Gaul's last work, "Israel in the Wilderness,"
performed at the Crystal Palace, July 9, 1892.