18th-century English Organ Music, Volume 2
A graded anthology
Format:Sheet music
Publisher:Oxford University Press
Published:18th Jul '13
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This four-volume anthology contains a sparkling selection of pieces and represents all the major composers of the period. It includes pieces in all the main genres, with Cornet and Trumpet Voluntaries, Echo Voluntaries, fugal works with slow introductions, and Full Voluntaries; as such, the collection offers a wide range of attractive music suitable for both church and recital use. Each volume contains an extended Introduction, with information on instruments of the period, registration, ornamentation, and notes on the composers. An important feature of the collection is an editorial realization of the cadenzas which occur at key points in some of the pieces; these complete the works and demonstrate how they would have been performed at the time. With extended historical information and a wonderful array of pieces carefully edited from original sources, this is a major collection that will be of interest to organists of all abilities.
Ever heard any music by George Green, Jonas Blewitt, or Robert Broderip? No, neither had I until I thumbed through the volumes of this newly published anthology of English pieces . . . Don't be deceived by the comparatively simple (usually sight-readable) notes and light textures. Playing this repertoire well calls for careful articulation and a sense of period style. A good tracker touch would be particularly beneficial. As you would expect, OUP's layout and print clarity is excellent. Put these volumes alongside your Stanley and Handel volumes, and you will have an excellent collection of English voluntaries to choose from whenever your feet need a rest, and your listeners need a break from (your possibly limited?) 16' Pedal stops! * Martin Setchell, Organz News Vol. 50 *
The undertaking, which must have spanned many years, provides us with a feast of treasures . . . There are few weak moments in this magnum opus and I would urge all keyboard performers to obtain it upon publication . . . My congratulations to all concerned in this exciting and significant addition to the repertoire. * Andrew Fletcher, Organists' Review, September 2013 *
The books are graded. One problem with music of this genre is that often it looks easy to sight-read, but, for an authentic and accurate performance, even the simplest pieces need proper preparation; those here are no exception. The introduction to each volume is of great help. The pieces cover a wide range of composers, with some familiar names - Handel, Boyce, Hook, Dupuis for example - and others less familiar: Broderip, Garth, Burney, Linley, to name a few. Wherever you look, there is plenty that will please as voluntaries and in concert, and also that is ideal for filling up those uncertain gaps whilst waiting for a tardy bride. Beautifully produced as usual, this collection is a worthy addition to the many collections of 18th century English organ music published since C. H. Trevor's pioneering books. * Trevor Webb, RSCM, October 14 *
ISBN: 9780193389168
Dimensions: 310mm x 229mm x 6mm
Weight: 238g
64 pages