Composer

:

Peter Hurford

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1957

Average_duration

:

8:52

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Peter Hurford's 'Short Chorale Preludes (5)' is a collection of five short pieces for organ, each based on a different chorale melody. The pieces were composed in 1972 and premiered by Hurford himself in the same year. The first movement, based on the chorale 'Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland', is a lively and joyful piece in 6/8 time. The melody is presented in the upper voice, accompanied by a flowing, arpeggiated figure in the lower voice. The piece builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet, reflective coda. The second movement, based on the chorale 'Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme', is a more contemplative piece in 4/4 time. The melody is presented in the pedals, accompanied by a simple, chordal texture in the manuals. The piece gradually builds in intensity before returning to a quiet, introspective mood. The third movement, based on the chorale 'Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern', is a bright and cheerful piece in 3/4 time. The melody is presented in the upper voice, accompanied by a lively, syncopated figure in the lower voice. The piece features a playful, dance-like character and ends with a flourish. The fourth movement, based on the chorale 'Herzlich tut mich verlangen', is a gentle and introspective piece in 4/4 time. The melody is presented in the upper voice, accompanied by a simple, chordal texture in the lower voice. The piece features a sense of longing and ends with a quiet, peaceful cadence. The fifth and final movement, based on the chorale 'Nun danket alle Gott', is a triumphant and celebratory piece in 4/4 time. The melody is presented in the upper voice, accompanied by a bold, fanfare-like figure in the lower voice. The piece builds to a grand climax before ending with a joyful, exultant coda. Overall, Hurford's 'Short Chorale Preludes (5)' is a charming and accessible collection of pieces that showcase the versatility and expressive range of the organ. The pieces are relatively short and straightforward, making them ideal for use as preludes or interludes in a church service or recital program.

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