Sounds Atmospheric - Organ Music of Herbert Howells CD

Description

Christopher Stokes performs on the Harrison & Harrison organ of Manchester Cathedral rebuilt 1952/7 incorporating pipework from 1934. 

Including the programmatic Psalm Preludes and the dramatic Rhapsody No. 3, alongside the neo-classical  Partita.

The death of Howells’ nine year old son, Michael, in 1935 exerted the most profound influence on his music. He had composed relatively little during the years following Michael’s birth, but the child’s tragic death resulted in the creation of some of Howells’ most beautiful and heartfelt music.

These atmospheric performances capture the composer’s signature blend of Tudor-inspired forms and deeply personal, 20th-century harmonic intensity.

Track Listing:

Psalm Prelude Set 1, No. 1
Psalm Prelude St 1, No. 2
Rhapsody No. 3 In C-Sharp Minor
Psalm Prelude Set 2, No. 1
Saraband For The Morning Of Easter
Master Tallis's Testament
Saraband In Modo Elegiaco
Partita: Intrata
Partita: Interlude
Partita: Scherzo And Epilogue
Partita: Sarabande For The 12Th Day Of Any October
Partita: Finale And Retrospect