Frederick Swann and Riverside Church
At age 92 Gena Branscombe received what would be her final commission. Frederick Swann, organist of the Riverside Church in New York City, requested she compose an “Introit” and “Prayer Response” for a morning church service to be held on Mother’s Day in May 1973. Not to be deterred by her failing eyesight, Gena began writing her own poems then set them to music she quietly held within herself. Daughter Gena Phenix provided the staff paper and pencils as well as offering to help, but, Gena’s intention was these final pieces would be entirely her own. By the end of March 1973, the “Introit” was complete followed in April by the “Prayer Response.” She added a concluding “Amen” to finalize the Mother’s Day Service. On Sunday, May 13, 1973 accompanied to Riverside Church by daughter Gena and her husband Philip, Gena Branscombe listened to the choir sing her “Introit,” ”Prayer Response” and the closing “Amen.” Her fina...