🎄⭐ New Organ Music for Christmas ⭐🎄 | Tim Knight Music || Jerry Martin, Hauptwerk, Salisbury
· 04.12.2022 · 04:54:33 ··· ··· Sunday ·· 7 (0)
Jerry Martin As we approach Christmas, the delightful pieces in the latest competition anthology from Tim Knigh music set the scene. I play these on the sampleset of the Salisbury Willis, but they work equally well on smaller instruments. There is something here for everyone, and if you are looking for something new for Christmas this year, do have a look (available as print volume, or as PDF) - available at https://www.timknightmusic.com/product-page/organ-music-for-the-christmas-season-6-pieces-pdf-download
0:00 ‘Joyful Angels’ by Colin Ashworth
2:38 ‘Masters in This Hall’ by Anthony Giamanco
5:15 ‘Prelude on “Cranham”’ by Adam Heron
9:58 ‘Prelude on “In Dulci Jubilo”’ by Theo Van Wyk
11:29 ‘Prelude: The Truth From Above’ by Jim Dalton
15:14 ‘Yea, Lord, We Greet Thee by Alison Willis
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Composers' notes on the pieces:
‘Joyful Angels’ by Colin Ashworth (outright winner)
I seldom compose unless I feel I must, so it was the competition which gave me the impetus to write this piece. However, the idea of using elements of the tune ‘Iris’ in the music came to me one day whilst I was shopping. (There is also one bar of another famous tune.) I do find it difficult to select suitable Christmas repertoire for small parish church organs so - as I am booked for some Christmas services - I felt I could kill two birds with the one proverbial stone. Hopefully this piece will work on instruments of various sizes. I have added a lot of detail to the score but it was written to be enjoyed and organists may take whatever liberties (within reason) they feel enhance their performance. The winning piece was adjudged to be: ‘Cheerful. Not difficult, and the tune (Angels from the realms of glory) is easy to detect. Workable on a small organ. Should keep congregations and organists happy!’
‘Masters in This Hall’ by Anthony Giamanco
I love Christmas carols, particularly, those in minor keys. So I set about to compose a setting of this carol with its memorable melody and jaunty rhythmic swing. Who says music in a minor key must be solemn? This one certainly is not! I have dedicated this piece to a wonderful organist who occasionally subs for me. Thank you, Jim!
‘Prelude on “Cranham”’ by Adam Heron
This piece is inspired by the rich and mellow timbres typical of late 19th and early 20th century English organ building. It primarily features the 8’ foundations of the Swell and Great, which are contrasted and combined, building to a climax before concluding with the gentle murmuring of the Swell strings. The rich 8’ registration is complemented by a “legatissimo” playing style, intended to indicate that the “note commune” principle associated with playing the works of Cesar Franck should be employed. Holst’s setting of “In the Bleak Midwinter” has always been a favourite of mine and I felt that an English romantic style Chorale/Hymn prelude would suit the tune well and could make a fitting prelude to a Carol Service or other festive occasion.
‘Prelude on “In Dulci Jubilo”’ by Theo Van Wyk
Ever since I was a child, the melody of In dulci jubilo has been part of my singing and organ playing repertoire. This was the case during Sunday School lessons, at school, during Advent and Christmas periods and, of course, during my organ lessons, accompanying and performing era. The chorale melody has an evergreen characteristic to it that seems to remain relevant even after more than 400 years. Its soothing interval contours and lilting rhythm have so many possibilities for development and treatment especially for an instrument such as the organ. It is hoped that the chorale’s effectivity in simplicity will inspire many more composers now and in the future.
‘Prelude: The Truth From Above’ by Jim Dalton
I have a deep interest in traditional music of various kinds but especially traditional ritual music. This piece is based on a tune collected in the early 20th century (Public Domain) from English oral tradition.
‘Yea, Lord, We Greet Thee by Alison Willis
I wanted to write a nice big, joyful and bright piece for Christmas morning. The Postlude is based on Adeste Fideles incorporating bits of the tune and the descant (which also has flavours of Ding Dong Merrily on High)! It is written to be achievable and enjoyable to play, and is possible on one manual with pedals although directions are given for two.
#christmas #hauptwerk #organmusic
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