Composer

:

Herbert Sumsion

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Average_duration

:

20:44

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Herbert Sumsion's "Preludes (4) on Well-Known Carols" is a collection of four preludes for organ, each based on a well-known Christmas carol. The collection was composed in 1949 and premiered on December 18th of the same year at Gloucester Cathedral, where Sumsion served as organist and choirmaster. The first prelude is based on the carol "Once in Royal David's City." It begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the right hand, accompanied by a simple chordal pattern in the left. The melody gradually builds in intensity, with the left hand adding more complex harmonies and the pedal providing a rich bass line. The prelude ends with a triumphant statement of the carol's melody. The second prelude is based on "The Holly and the Ivy." It begins with a lively, syncopated rhythm in the left hand, accompanied by a simple melody in the right. The melody is then passed between the hands, with the left hand providing a more complex accompaniment. The prelude ends with a joyful, energetic statement of the carol's melody. The third prelude is based on "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen." It begins with a slow, solemn introduction, with the melody played in the pedal. The tempo then picks up, with the melody passed between the hands and the pedal providing a rich bass line. The prelude ends with a grand, majestic statement of the carol's melody. The fourth and final prelude is based on "O Come, All Ye Faithful." It begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the right hand, accompanied by a simple chordal pattern in the left. The melody gradually builds in intensity, with the left hand adding more complex harmonies and the pedal providing a rich bass line. The prelude ends with a triumphant statement of the carol's melody, with the organist encouraged to use full organ for maximum effect. Overall, Sumsion's "Preludes (4) on Well-Known Carols" is a delightful collection of organ music that captures the joy and spirit of the Christmas season. Each prelude is unique in its character and style, showcasing Sumsion's skill as a composer and organist.

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