Composer

:

Herbert Howells

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Prelude

Compose Date

:

1940

Average_duration

:

23:15

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Herbert Howells' 'Psalm Preludes for organ, Set 2' is a collection of ten pieces for solo organ, composed in 1941. The set was premiered by the composer himself at St. John's College, Cambridge, in the same year. The ten movements are each based on a different psalm, and are intended to be played as preludes to the singing of the psalm in church services. The pieces range in length from just over a minute to almost ten minutes, and are written in a variety of styles, from contemplative and introspective to grand and majestic. One of the most striking characteristics of the set is Howells' use of harmony and tonality. He often employs complex, chromatic harmonies that create a sense of tension and release, and frequently shifts between major and minor modes to convey the emotional content of the psalms. Another notable feature of the set is Howells' use of texture. He frequently employs thick, lush chords that create a sense of grandeur and majesty, but also uses sparse, delicate textures to convey a sense of intimacy and introspection. Overall, 'Psalm Preludes for organ, Set 2' is a masterful collection of pieces that showcases Howells' skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the emotional and spiritual content of the psalms. Its combination of complex harmonies, varied textures, and emotional depth make it a powerful and moving work that continues to be performed and admired by organists and audiences alike.

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