Composer

:

Herbert Howells

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Rhapsody

Average_duration

:

7:51

Herbert Howells' Rhapsody for organ in C sharp minor, Op. 17/3, was composed in 1919 and premiered in the same year at St. John's College, Cambridge. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, marked Allegro moderato, begins with a bold and dramatic statement in the organ's lower register. This is followed by a more lyrical section, featuring a flowing melody in the right hand accompanied by a gentle, undulating figure in the left. The movement builds to a powerful climax before subsiding into a quiet, reflective coda. The second movement, marked Andante tranquillo, is a stark contrast to the first. It opens with a delicate, ethereal melody in the organ's upper register, accompanied by a soft, pulsing figure in the pedals. The mood is serene and contemplative, with a sense of timelessness and stillness pervading the music. The movement ends with a gentle fade-out, as the melody gradually dissolves into silence. The final movement, marked Allegro con fuoco, is a lively and energetic tour-de-force. It opens with a virtuosic display of rapid-fire runs and arpeggios, showcasing the full range and power of the organ. The music is full of rhythmic vitality and syncopation, with a sense of joy and exuberance that builds to a thrilling conclusion. Throughout the piece, Howells demonstrates his mastery of the organ as an instrument, exploiting its full range of colors, textures, and dynamics. The music is richly expressive, with a sense of drama and intensity that is tempered by moments of quiet introspection and reflection. Overall, the Rhapsody for organ in C sharp minor is a powerful and compelling work that showcases Howells' skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the organ as an instrument.

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