Composer

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McNeil Robinson

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Keyboard

Style

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Keyboard

The "Chorale Prelude for Organ on Llanfair" is a composition by McNeil Robinson, an American organist and composer. The piece was composed in 1986 and premiered on October 26, 1986, at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin in New York City. The composition is a single movement work that is based on the Welsh hymn tune "Llanfair." The hymn tune is also known as "Hymn to Joy" and is commonly associated with the hymn "Jesus, Lover of My Soul." Robinson's composition is a chorale prelude, which is a type of organ music that is based on a hymn tune. The piece is written for solo organ and is approximately four minutes in length. The "Chorale Prelude for Organ on Llanfair" begins with a simple statement of the hymn tune in the pedals. The melody is then taken up by the manuals, with the right hand playing a harmonization of the tune and the left hand providing a counterpoint. The piece gradually builds in intensity, with the use of more complex harmonies and a more active pedal part. The climax of the piece is a full organ statement of the hymn tune, with the pedals playing a virtuosic part that includes rapid runs and arpeggios. One of the characteristics of Robinson's composition is its use of harmonies that are both traditional and modern. The piece begins with a simple harmonization of the hymn tune, but as the piece progresses, Robinson uses more complex harmonies that include dissonances and unexpected chord progressions. Another characteristic of the piece is its use of the organ's full range of dynamics and tonal colors. Robinson makes use of the organ's various stops and registers to create a wide range of sounds, from soft and delicate to loud and powerful. Overall, the "Chorale Prelude for Organ on Llanfair" is a well-crafted and effective piece of organ music. Its use of the traditional hymn tune and modern harmonies make it accessible to a wide range of listeners, while its virtuosic pedal part and use of the organ's full range of dynamics make it a challenging and rewarding piece for organists to perform.

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