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MUSIC FOR ORGAN, VOLUME 2

MARCH IN F

This noble work would be suitable as entry or exit music for a wedding, or as a lively general service concluding voluntary. Dating from 2008, it is constructed in a straightforward ternary form, allowing for shortening at bar 25 if required.

The central section is in A modal minor and employs a first-beat staccato figure on a solo stop before reverting to the home key for the recap. The staccato figure is hinted at before the piece concludes triumphantly with an individual form of ‘English’ cadence. 

ELEGY

Elegy was composed in Harringworth in 2009. Set mainly in a gentle 6/8 rhythm, it features two of the composer’s mannerisms: hemiolae in melody, bass and accompaniment, and pedal points, notably in the bass line.

It commences in a modal E minor and never deviates far from this key before a variant of the main material returns in E major to complete the piece in a mood of resignation and repose.

CALEDONIAN MARCH

This march, suitable for a wedding exit or entrance, could also be used as a lively, general organ voluntary. It is structured as A B A C A, but the piece can be shortened to A B A when occasion demands. It is set in a bright D major with a neo-Purcellian trumpet style for the recurring theme. The two episodes are more reflective in mood, but all sections have a ‘scotch snap’ rhythmic figure – hence the title – also a favourite Purcellian device.

PASTORALE

This gentle, flowing voluntary would be suitable for playing before the bride’s entrance or during the signing of the register. The piece is predominantly written in a conventional F major, although there are several transitory modulations to nearly-related keys. While in a neo-baroque style, the overall 6/8 metre also makes much use of the hemiola, where the 6/8 running quavers are often accompanied by 3/4-time crotchets.

PRELUDIO BURLESCO

This playful, sardonic piece would be suitable as a short recital piece, rather than a service voluntary. Dating from 2017, it develops several short motifs within a non-tonal framework..

MARCH IN C

Composed for a wedding in 2008, this march could be shortened at bar 24 when occasion demands. The stirring opening section is contrasted with two episodes in related keys, before returning to conclude with an extended final statement of the main theme and a triumphant coda.