By their very nature, organs have the power to excite, but the only real demands of playing this exciting chord are making sure the organ is still turned on, pulling out some stops, waiting for the previous section to finish, getting a nod from the conductor, and playing the chord. Contrary to what might be thought, there's absolutely no necessity to count the hundreds of preceding bars in which you don't play! This wonderful moment is actually marked to be played just forte (loud) – not very loud, not as loud as possible, and certainly not full organ. Playing at the indicated volume produces the required dramatic contrast with the extended and extremely quiet section that precedes it. However, some conductors and promoters routinely attempt to insist on this being played as loudly as possible. To do so is totally unnecessary; it's not what the composer asked for and shows the organist's hand ahead of the tumultuous ending of the work, complete with trumpets and timpani, therefore allowing no further excitement to be summoned from the organ.

Many of the available recordings are balanced to perpetuate the impression of the organ as a solo instrument, while others, notably Simon Preston with the Berlin Philharmonic, keep the instrument as an appropriate feature of the symphonic texture.

To think of this symphony broadly in respect of just one chord and the ensuing rumbustious section of this great piece, would be to do it a great disservice. For many, the second, slow section of the first movement is the jewel in the work's symphonic crown (the work is actually in two movements, each with two sub-movements). This slow 'movement' opens with the first and very quiet entry of the organ, providing a bedrock for the exquisite theme played by the violins. The organ plays just a textural and accompanying role throughout.

The second movement opens with a scherzo-like section, and this provides some fireworks for the orchestral concertante pianist. This part can be significantly more demanding than that for the organ, especially when the conductor decides to go rogue in the middle of the virtuosic scale passages! A particular pleasure afforded to the pianist is the camaraderie of a second pianist who joins him at the start of the finale to play a little tinkling piano duet – a most beautiful moment reminiscent of  The Aquarium movement from Saint–Saëns' The Carnival of the Animals. The second pianist's presence also affords some welcome company during the frequently slow progress of first-movement rehearsals, which can offer particular orchestral challenges, especially if an inappropriate tempo is set.

There are symphonic and choral works which have significantly more visible and challenging organ parts – you only have to look at the near virtuosic demands of the organ writing in parts of the first movement of Mahler's 8th Symphony, for example. However, this is not in any way to detract from the beauty and emotional power of this symphony, which displays all the wonderfully crafted features which would be expected from Saint-Saëns. Beyond 'the chord', the work's popularity and immediate appeal are a testament to the composer's innate craftsmanship.

Copyright © 2024 Roderick Elms

Full Music Catalogue

 

Below is a comprehensive and detailed list of titles, together with a little background. For the Christmas & Festive works alone, please see the separate page. 

Most of the music on this page is published by Camden Music, London. Many performances are available and samples of these can be heard using the relevant links.

VOCAL MUSIC

AWAY IN A MANGER

Carol for SATB, solo tenor and piano (or chamber orchestra)

Details and Audio

Parts for chamber orchestra are available on hire. (1.1.1.1/1.0.0.0/1P.hp.cel/strings)
Away in a Manger is recorded on Naxos 8.570793

Excerpt from Away In A Manger

 

THE CHERRY TREE CAROL

Carol for SATB (also SSA) and organ (with optional solo flute) or chamber orchestra

Details & Audio

Published by Camden Music. Vocal scores available for sale. Parts for chamber orchestra available on hire (1.1.1.1/1.0.0.0/1P.hp.cel/strings).

The Cherry Tree Carol has been recorded in both its SATB and High Voice versions with orchestral and instrumental accompaniments, on Naxos 8.570793, Herald HAVPCD299 & Cantoris CRCD6075 (high voices).

Excerpt of SATB version

Excerpt of high voices version

CALYPSO CAROL

Carol for SATB, optional children’s choir with piano, brass quintet or orchestra

Details & Audio

Calypso Carol is arranged with a ‘latin’ feel and can be performed with or without the children’s choir. The duration is c. 2′ 40″.

Parts for orchestra and chorus are available on hire (1.1.1.1/1.0.0.0/0.4P.kbd/steel drums (opt)/strings). Parts for brass quintet are also available on hire.

Calypso Carol is recorded by the Joyful Company of Singers and Chaconne Brass and will be released in 2019.

Excerpt from version with brass quintet

CANTICLES IN Db

Magnificat and Nunc dimittis for SATB (or SSAA) and organ

Details & Audio

In preparation …

 

FESTIVE FROLIC

Celebratory piece for SATB and optional junior chorus with symphony orchestra & organ

Details & Audio

Written in something of a minimalist style, Festive Frolic was written in 2006 to celebrate thirty years since the first biennial choral festival given by the London Borough of Redbridge at London’s Royal Albert Hall. It was first performed in the hall under the title Festival Frolic and was conducted by the composer.

Parts for orchestra and chorus are available on hire. (2.2.2.2/4.2.3.1/T.3P.2Kbd.org/strings)
Festive Frolic is recorded on Naxos 8.570793

Excerpt

IN DULCI JUBILO

Carol for SATB (also SS) with brass quintet

Details

In dulci jubilo is published as part of the set ‘Three More Carols’. This title and Rocking (from Three Carols) can be performed with brass quintet and parts are available on hire.

In dulci jubilo is recorded by the Joyful Company of Singers with Chaconne Brass and will be available in later in 2019.

Excerpt

IN EXCELSIS GLORIA

Song for solo soprano and piano (or chamber orchestra)

Details

A setting of Christmas words written for my friend, the soprano Julia Wilson-James.
Parts for chamber orchestra are available on hire for both sets.
(1.1.1.1/1.0.0.0/T.2-3P.hp.pfd.cel/strings)

O COME, O COME EMMANUEL

Advent hymn arranged for solo baritone, SATB chorus and chamber orchestra or organ

Details & Audio

An atmospheric start by a solo voice leads to a dramatic last verse with just a hint of Hollywood!

Published by Camden Music. Parts for chamber orchestra are available on hire. (1.1.1.1/2.0.0.0/.T1P.hp.(opt org)/strings)
O come, O come Emmanuel is recorded on Naxos 8.570793

Excerpt

PRECES & RESPONSES

A setting of the Preces & Responses for Evensong (with Dismissal)

Details

A setting of the Preces & Responses (with Dismissal) with a original but approachable concept. 

ROCKING

Carol for SATB (also SS) with brass quintet

Details & Audio

Rocking is published as part of the set ‘Three Carols’. This title and In dulci jubilo (from Three More Carols can be performed with brass quintet and brass parts are available on hire.

Rocking is recorded by the Joyful Company of Singers with Chaconne Brass and will be available in later in 2019.

Excerpt

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER

Arrangement for orchestra with optional SATB chorus and soloist and/or audience participation

Details & Audio

A new arrangement commissioned by Raymond Gubbay Ltd. for its annual nationwide Christmas festival. It can be performed by orchestra alone or with choir and/or audience and/or solo voice for the optional opening verse.

Parts for orchestra and SATB chorus are available on hire (2.2.2.2/4.3.2.1/.T.3P.(hp).strings)
Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer is recorded on Naxos 8.570793

Excerpt

SLEEP SWEET BABE! (Dormi Jesu)

Song for solo voice and piano (or chamber orchestra) with optional SATB chorus

Details

Based on the slow movement of the Concertino for Celeste, this carol is also available with orchestral accompaniment.
(1.1.1.1/1.0.0.0/hp.cel/strings)

Sleep Sweet Babe! is recorded by Mark Wilde with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on Naxos 8.570793

Excerpt

SOMERSET CAROL (Come all you worthy gentlemen)

Arranged for SATB with keyboard (or chamber orchestra/brass quintet)

Details

The traditional West-Country carol arranged for SATB with accompaniment for keyboard, brass quintet or chamber orchestra.
(1.1.1.1/1.0.0.0/strings)

Excerpt

THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH AND SONG

Anthem for SATB and organ

Details & Audio

A setting of words selected from Psalm 118 suitable for Easter or Festival use. This lively anthem, written for the choir of St. Edwards Church, Romford, is in a Samba style. Published by Camden Music.
The Lord is my Strength and Song has been recorded on Redbridge RRCD1067.

Excerpt

THREE ‘BAROQUE’ CAROLS

for SATB with brass quintet or keyboard accompaniment

1. Past Three O’clock  2. Wexford Carol  3. Deck the Hall

Details & Audio

1. Past Three O’clock  Duration c. 3′
2. Wexford Carol. Duration c. 4′
3. Deck the Hall. Duration c. 2′

Published by Camden Music. Parts for brass quintet are available on hire for both sets.

Three ‘Baroque’ Carols are recorded for release later in 2019.

Excerpt from Past Three O’clock

Excerpt from Wexford Carol

Excerpt from Deck the hall

THREE CAROLS

for SATB (also SS), solo flute and keyboard accompaniment (or chamber orchestra)

1. Gabriel’s Message  2. Rocking  3. Angels From The Realms Of Glory

Details & Audio

Published by Camden Music. Parts for chamber orchestra are available on hire for both sets (1.1.1.1/1.0.0.0/T.2-3P.hp.pfd.cel/strings)
Rocking can also be performed with brass quintet and parts are available on hire.

Three Carols has been recorded using both the orchestral and instrumental versions, on Naxos 8.570793, Cantoris CRCD6075 (high voice) & Redbridge RRCD1067. Rocking has also been recorded on Herald HAVPCD299. See the recordings page for further details. 

Excerpt from Gabriel’s Message (SATB)

 

Excerpt from Rocking (SATB)

 

Excerpt from Angels From The Realms (SATB)

Excerpt from Gabriel’s Message (High Voices)

 

Excerpt from Rocking (High Voices)

 

Excerpt from Angels From The Realms (High Voices)

 

 

THREE MORE CAROLS

for SATB (also SS), solo flute and keyboard accompaniment (or chamber orchestra)

1. The Coventry Carol  2. Silent Night  3. In Dulci Jubilo

Details & Audio

Published by Camden Music. Parts for chamber orchestra are available on hire for both sets (1.1.1.1/1.0.0.0/T.2-3P.hp.pfd.cel/strings).
In dulci jubilo can also be perfomed with brass quintet and parts are available on hire.

Three More Carols has been recorded with both the orchestral and instrumental accompaniments, on Naxos 8.570793, Cantoris CRCD6075 (high voice) & Redbridge RRCD1067.

High voice/SS arrangements (two equal parts) are also available for both sets. The flute part, whilst desirable for performance, could be played by another, suitable instrument.

Excerpt from The Coventry Carol (SATB)

 

Excerpt from Silent Night (SATB)

 

Excerpt from In Dulci Jubilo (SATB)

 

Excerpt from The Coventry Carol (High Voices)

 

Excerpt from Silent Night (High Voices)

 

Excerpt from In Dulci Jubilo (High Voices)

THREE SPIRITUALS

for SATB, optional solo voices and piano

1. Swing low, sweet chariot  2. Kumbayah  3. Joshua fit da battle of Jericho

Details & Audio

These three spiritual arrangements were written for the Redbridge Youth Choir veterans. 

Excerpt from Swing low, sweet chariot

 

Excerpt from Kumbayah

 

Excerpt from Joshua fit da battle of Jericho

 

TWO MICHAELMAS CAROL ANTHEMS

for high voices (SS), oboe and keyboard

1. Crowns of Gold  2. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear 

Details & Audio

These two original short pieces are written for two, equal high voice parts. They have an oboe obbligato part which could be played by another instrument, if preferred. They are ideally suited to piano accompaniment. Crowns of Gold is in a catchy 7/8 time and It Came upon a Midnight Clear is in a Calypso style.

Published by Camden Music.

Two Michaelmas Carol Anthems has been recorded on Cantoris CRCD6075 & Redbridge RRCD1067. See the recordings page for full details. 

Excerpt from Crowns of Gold

 

Excerpt from It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

WE THREE KINGS OF ORIENT ARE

Carol for SATB, three (optional) solo kings and piano (or chamber orchestra)

Details & Audio

This arrangement was made for a performance in 2004 at London’s Barbican Hall given by the choir of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle and the English Chamber Orchestra.

Published by Camden Music. Parts for chamber orchestra are available on hire. (1.1.1.1/1.0.0.0/2P.hp(or pno)/strings). It can also be performed with a more classical orchestra (0.2.1.1/2.0.0.0/1P.hp(or pno).org/strings)
We Three Kings of Orient Are is recorded on Naxos 8.570793

Excerpt from We Three Kings

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

A CHRISTMAS CARILLON

Christmas recessional for organ based on the carol, ‘In dulci jubilo’

Details & Audio

Christmas recessional for organ based on the Christmas carol In Dulci Jubilo and it lasts c. 4′ 30″.

A Christmas Carillon is recorded by Richard Moore on the organ of Brentwood Cathedral and will be released in 2019.

Excerpt

A LITTLE FALL-ISH!

Intermezzo for piano

Details & Audio

A little fall-ish (from Three Intermezzi for Piano) is also the first of Four Seasonal Nocturnes for French horn and chamber orchestra (or piano).
See elsewhere in the catalogue.

Four Seasonal Nocturnes is recorded by Martin Owen (French horn) with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on Dutton – CDLX7175

Excerpt of solo piano version

 

Excerpt of version for french horn and orchestra

A WINDY CHRISTMAS

Festive Cracker for wind or brass quintet

Details & Audio

A Windy Christmas is a festive piece for wind or brass quintet. Its duration is 7′ 30″ or 4′ 25″ with the printed cut.

A Windy Christmas is recorded by the Aurora Ensemble and will be released in 2019.

Excerpt from Wind Quintet version

 

Excerpt from Brass Quintet version

ADVENT DANCES

Dance Variations on the Advent hymn Veni Immanuel for trumpet and organ

Details & Audio

Advent Dances, for trumpet and organ, is a set of dance variations based on the Advent hymn: O come, O come Immanuel — Veni Immanuel. The duration is a little over 9′.

Advent Dances is recorded by Illumina Duo and will be released in 2019.

Excerpt from Advent Dances

BACK TO BACH

Suite for solo piano and orchestra

Details & Audio

Back to Bach is a suite of three pieces arranged/transcribed for solo piano and orchestra from the music of J.S. Bach

  1. Sinfonia, arranged from Cantata 29. This is a transcription of the Sinfonia from Cantata 29 “Wir danken dir, Gott, wir danken dir” (We thank you, Lord, we thank you).
    Scored for orchestra (2.2.2.1.contra/4.2.3.1/T.2P.Hp.strings) and solo piano.
  2. Aria, arranged from Cantata 156 This is an arrangement of the Sinfonia from J.S. Bach’s Cantata 156. It last about 3′ 45″ and was broadcast by the BBC Concert Orchestra under Barry Wordsworth as part of Friday Night is Music Night in September 2000.
    The arrangement is scored for orchestra (2.1.ca.2.2(contra)/4.2.3.1/T.1P.Hp.strings) and solo piano.
  3. Gigue, arranged from the Fugue a la Gigue This transcription of the Gigue Fugue for organ is for solo piano and orchestra. It lasts about 3′ 30″ and was first broadcast in August 2001.
    The arrangement is scored for orchestra (1.pic.1.ca.1.BCl.1.contra/4.2.3.1/T.3P.Hp.strings) and solo piano

Back to Bach is recorded by Roderick Elms on Dutton – CDLX7175

Excerpt from Sinfonia

 

Excerpt from Aria

 

Excerpt from Gigue

BURLESCA

for two horns & piano duet

Details

A lively trio for four! Written to conclude a recital for Ongar Music Club given by horn players Stephen Bell and Charlotte Lines together with the composer and his wife, Joanna Smith, at one piano.

CHIARORE DEL MARE

for electric (or acoustic) violin and chamber orchestra

Details & Audio

A short Canzonetta lasting about 4′ 25″ in a slow, romantic style. The title refers to that etherial aura of lightness which can be seen from the sea just prior to dawn which is neither white nor dark – a sort of white translucence. Its first performance was given by its dedicatee, Lynette Wynn, with the Elgar Chamber Orchestra conducted by Stephen Bell in Eton College.

The piece is scored for chamber orchestra (0.ca.0.0/2.0.0.0/Hp.strings) and solo violin
Chiarore del Mare is recorded by Janice Graham with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on Dutton – CDLX7175.

Excerpt

 

CHRISTMAS MUDLEY

for two pianos | piano duet | piano & brass | piano & orchestra | brass quintet |
symphony orchestra | brass band

Details & Audio

This piece was originally written for a Christmas edition of BBC Radio 2’s long-lamented programme ‘At the Piano’. The first performance was given by Roderick Elms and John Alley from the BBC’s Maida Vale Studios. ‘Christmas Mudley’ is also available arranged for piano duet, solo piano & brass solo piano & orchestra, symphony orchestra, brass band and brass quintet.

The featured tunes are: The Sussex Carol, Silent Night, Deck the Halls, The Holly and the Ivy, The Twelve Days of Christmas & Here We Come A-wassailing.

Composite demo of all current versions

Christmas Mudley is recorded by Chaconne Brass and will be released in 2019.
Excerpt from brass quintet version

CONCERTINO FOR CELESTE

for celeste and chamber orchestra

CYGNCOPATIONS

Reverie et Danse for swan (or cor anglais/sax) and orchestra

Details & Audio
  1. Reverie
  2. Danse

Lasting just over 6 minutes, Cygncopations is is two main sections, starting with a reflective and atmospheric Reverie and continuing with a lively Jig. It was written for the cor anglais player, Victoria Walpole, and first performed by her at the Mermaid Theatre, London on 11 July 2003, the performance broadcast live on BBC Radio.
Cygncopations is recorded by Victoria Walpole on Dutton – CDLX7175

Excerpt from Reverie (Cor Anglais)

 

Excerpt from Danse (Cor Anglais)

 

Excerpt from Reverie (Sax)

 

Excerpt from Danse (Sax)

ELEGIE

Intermezzo for solo piano or solo piano and chamber orchestra

Details

Elegie (from Three Intermezzi for Piano) is based on the famous Irish folk song “She moved through the Fair” and written in memory of the composer’s father. It is also available in a version for piano and orchestra (2.1.ca.2.2(contra)/4.2.3.1/T.1P.Hp.strings)

Elegie is recorded by Roderick Elms with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on Dutton – CDLX7175

Excerpt from version with orchestra

 

Excerpt from solo piano version

FANFARE DA FESTA

Short seasonal fanfare for brass, organ, celeste & percussion or full orchestra without organ

Details & Audio

Fanfare da festa is scored for brass (4,3,2,1) with percussion, celeste and organ.

There is an alternative version for symphony orchestra without organ.

Fanfare da festa contains references to a number of carols. It has a slightly Latin American flavour to the middle section and ends in a ‘grand manner’. It last about 1′ 10″ and received its first performance in The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester in December 2001 by the Hallé Orchestra conducted by Stephen Bell. The Fanfare ends in D major making it a suitable Prelude to a great many Christmas pieces starting in G!

Fanfare da Festa is recorded on Naxos 8.570793 

Excerpt

FESTA DI TASTIERE

Postlude based on the tune “Praise my Soul” for two organs, piano duet, trumpet, three horns and snare drum.

Details

Written as the Recessional for the composer’s wedding to Joanna Smith on 8th April 2007 in Holy Trinity Church, Southchurch in Essex. The presence of so many keyboard instruments was too good an opportunity to pass up as well as some wonderful friends willing to play them! 

FOUR SEASONAL NOCTURNES

for solo french horn and chamber orchestra or piano

Details & Audio
  1. A Little Fall-ish (Horn Abroad)
  2. The Horn in Winter (Le Cor en Hiver)
  3. The Well Sprung Horn (Vorsprung durch Horntechnik)
  4. Little Horn in the Sun (Sol’ un Cornetto)  

These four pieces (lasting some 13 minutes in total) were written for Stephen Bell — at the time, principal horn player of the BBC Concert Orchestra. The first was first broadcast by them on BBC Radio 2 between October 1998 and July 1999 conducted by Barry Wordsworth.

Orchestral material is available on hire (1.0.0.0/0.0.0.0/1P.hp.cel/strings).

Four Seasonal Nocturnes is now available for horn and piano and were premiered in this version at the British Horn Society’s 1999 Horn Festival in London on 24 October 1999.

Four Seasonal Nocturnes is recorded by Martin Owen with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on Dutton – CDLX7175

Excerpt from A Little Fall-ish

 

Excerpt from The Horn In Winter

 

Excerpt from The Well Sprung Horn

 

Excerpt from Little Horn in the Sun

FUNKY FUGATO

for oboe, clarinet, bassoon and piano

Details & Audio

Funky Fugato is a short encore piece written for members of the Aurora Ensemble. This piece is the fourth movement of the piano and wind sextet Moody Moves but in an earlier incarnation for juust oboe, clarinet, bassoon and piano. Full details of the piano and wind sextet, Moody Moves, can be found under its own heading.

Excerpt

GAZELLE

Intemezzo for solo piano or piano and chamber orchestra

Details & Audio

Gazelle (from Three Intermezzi for Piano) written for the composer’s friend Dorcas. It is also available in a version for piano and orchestra (0.0.0.0/1.0.0.0/.Hp.strings)

Gazelle is recorded by Roderick Elms with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on Dutton – CDLX7175

Excerpt from version with chamber orchestra

 

Excerpt from solo piano version

HOLLY’S NIGHTMARE

Nocturnal diversions for wind quintet based on ‘The Holly and the Ivy’

Details & Audio

Holly’s Nightmare, nocturnal diversions for wind quintet, is based on the carol The Holly and the Ivy. The duration is around 5′. It was written for thr Aurora Ensemble.

Holly’s Nightmare is recorded by the Aurora Ensemble and will be released in 2019.

Excerpt

IL CYGNET

Eleganza for cor anglais and piano

Details & Audio

A short solo lasting about 3 minutes in a slow and thoughtful style. It was written for the young cor anglais player, Katy Bell.

Il Cygnet is recorded by Victoria Walpole on Dutton – CDLX7175

Excerpt (Cor Anglais)

 

Excerpt (Sax)

 

MOODY MOVES

Sextet for flute, oboe (cor anglais), clarinet in Bb (A), french horn, bassoon and piano

NOEL!

Festive Romp for organ & orchestra

Details & Audio

Noel! for organ and orchestra was written to mark the appointment of Stephen Bell as first Associate Conductor, Hallé Pops and first performed in the Bridgewater Hall by the Hallé Orchestra on 21st December 2013 with Bernard Robertson playing the solo organ part and Stephen Bell conducting.

Noel! is recorded by the composer with the Hallé on the CD A Christmas Celebration CD HLL 7545

Excerpt

PAEAN

for organ & orchestra

Details & Audio

The Paean for organ and strings (with optional percussion) was commissioned by the Elgar Chamber Orchestra which gave its first performance on 9 May 2004 in St John’s Church, High Wycombe conducted by Stephen Bell with the composer as soloist.

Excerpt

PAPER DANCES

Dance Fantasy for piano duet & orchestra

Details & Audio

This concert piece was written for my wife, the pianist Joanna Smith, in celebration of our first (Paper) Wedding Anniversary. We recorded with the Southbank Sinfonia and later broadcast it live with the BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Stephen Bell.

 Excerpt

PIPE DREAM

Fantasy Dance for trumpet and organ

Details & Audio

Pipe Dream, Fantasy Dance for trumpet and organ, was written for the musical partnership of Ellie Lovegrove and Richard Moore, Illumina Duo — the first performance being in Brentwood Cathedral on the 7th November 2018.

Pipe Dream is recorded by Illumina Duo and will be released in 2019.

Excerpt

SAILS AT DAWN

for oboe and piano based on the carol ‘I saw three ships’

Details & Audio

Sails at Dawn, based on the carol I saw three ships, was written for the oboist John Anderson who recorded it in partnership with the pianist Joanna Smith. The duration is around 5′.

Sails at Dawn is recorded by John Anderson and Joanna Smith and will be released in 2019.

Excerpt

SHEEP MAY SAFELY GRAZE

Arrangement for organ with strings and two horns

Details & Audio

Parts for organ and chamber orchestra are available on hire (0.0.0.0/2.0.0.0/org.strings)

Sheep May Safely Graze is recorded on Naxos 8.570793

Excerpt

SLEEPER’S WAKE! (Wauchet auf)

Arrangement for organ with strings and two horns

Details & Audio

Parts for organ and chamber orchestra are available on hire (0.0.0.0/2.0.0.0/org.strings)

Sleeper’s Wake! is recorded on Naxos 8.570793 

Excerpt

TWELVE ASTROLOGICAL PRELUDES

for solo piano

Details & Audio

These twelve preludes are the result of a challenge from a BBC producer following the writing of Aquarius as a short ‘filler’ for a radio recital – “just eleven to go”…

The pieces are based upon two melodic strands and there is one in each of the twelve major keys. The character and style of each prelude alludes to certain character traits of its particular birth sign. Each bears a printed descriptions of some general characteristics deemed to be associated with each sign.

The set starts with Capricorn and ends with Sagittarius, although a performance of the complete cycle could start at any point. The standard of the pieces ranges from about Grade Six to Performers level. 

Excerpts

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

TWO ANGLO FANDANGOS

for classical guitar and organ (or chamber orchestra)

Details & Audio

1. Fandango Fantastico was written in June 2002 to mark the wedding of Victoria Green and Stuart Nicholson who give the first performance on 14 July 2002 in Romford Parish Church. My knowledge of the practicalities of the guitar is rudimentary and I am indebted to my friend Carlos Bonell for his kind advice in the preparation of the guitar part. In performance, it may be useful to employ some discreet amplification, especially if the organist is at some distance from the guitar. The piece lasts 5′ 15″.

Both pieces can be performed with chamber orchestra [1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.0 | Strings]. Score and parts are available on hire from Camden Music.

Fandango Fantastico is recorded by Victoria Green & Stuart Nicholson on Dutton – CDLX7175. Also on the CDMoody Moves – HAVPCD380.

2. Fandando Frivolo was written in 2012 as a companion piece for Fadango Fantastico.

Much of this piece is a gentle duo between the two instruments although there are a few moments for the organ to show what it can do! The piece lasts 6′ 06″

Fandango Fantastico is recorded by Victoria Green & Stuart Nicholson on Dutton – CDLX7175 and also on Herald HAVPCD130 ‘Moody Moves’.

Two Anglo Fandangos can also be performed with chamber orchestra [1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.0 ] Strings. Score and parts are available on hire from Camden Music.

Excerpt from Fandango Fantastico (with organ)

 

Excerpt from Fandando Frivolo (with organ)

 

Excerpt from Fandango Fantastico (with orchestra)

 

Excerpt from Fandando Frivolo (with orchestra)

TWO FESTIVE CARILLONS

for organ solo

1. Carillon Festivo  2. Carillon da Festa

Details & Audio

1. Carillon Festivo – festive recessional for organ
Written for the wedding of my publisher, this lively postlude has more than a few semiquavers (16ths!). Dur. 3′ 00″

Carillon Festivo has been recorded by Stuart Nicholson on Redbridge RRCD1067. See the recordings page for full details.

2. Carillon da Festa – Procession & Romp based on the tune “Happy Birthday”
Written for the 40th Birthday of a friend and lasting about 4′ 02″. The piece is in two sections – a dignified Processional followed by a lively “Romp”. 

Excerpt from Carillon Festivo

 

Excerpt from Carillon da Festa

THREE INTERMEZZI

for piano solo

1. A little fall-ish!  2. Elegie  3. Gazelle

Details & Audio

1A little fall-ish! is also the first of Four Seasonal Nocturnes for French horn and chamber orchestra. See elsewhere in the catalogue.

Four Seasonal Nocturnes is recorded by Martin Owen (French horn) with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on Dutton – CDLX717

Excerpt from A little fall-ish! for piano

 

2Elegie is based on the famous Irish folk song “She moved through the Fair” and written in memory of the composer’s father. It is also available in a version for piano and orchestra (2.1.ca.2.2(contra)/4.2.3.1/T.1P.Hp.strings)

Elegie is recorded by Roderick Elms with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on Dutton – CDLX7175

Excerpt from Elegie for piano

 

3. Gazelle was written for the composer’s friend Dorcas. It is also available in a version for piano and orchestra (0.0.0.0/1.0.0.0/.Hp.strings)

Gazelle is recorded by Roderick Elms with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on Dutton – CDLX7175

Excerpt from Gazelle  for piano

WASSAIL DOWN THE WIND

Suite of “Three Drinking Songs for Organist & Orchestra”

1. The Boar’s Head, Coventry  2. Merry Gents  3. Wassailing In The Dark

Details & Audio

This suite of seasonally influenced pieces was written to allow the organist an opportunity to shine in his/her own right and show off some of the features of this wonderful instrument.
The piece is scored for symphony orchestra (pic.1.2.1.B.cl.1.C.Fg/4.2.3.1/T.3P/Hp.strings) and solo organ.

Orchestral material is available on hire.

1. The Boar’s Head, Coventry
A lively and dramatic dance movement based on the Coventry Carol which reaches a climax with references by way of the Boar’s Head Carol. It affords many opportunities for the organist to display the power of the instrument,

2. Merry Gents
A rather satirically slow and lugubrious re-working of the melody for “God rest you merry, gentlemen”. The organist is able to show off some of the more characterful sounds of the organ.

3. Wassailing in the Dark
The third movement was written for the BBC Concert Orchestra in its 50th anniversary year. It is based on the carol “Here we come a Wassailing”.

Wassail Down the Wind is recorded by Stuart Nicholson on Naxos 8.570793 

Excerpt from The Boar’s Head

Excerpt from Merry Gents

Excerpt from Wassailing in the Dark

Copyright © 2019 Roderick Elms Music. All rights reserved.