Published today, this is a remarkable addition to the world of published organ music. Noel Rawsthorne’s music is admired for its exceptional craftsmanship, clarity, and expressive warmth. His writing blends traditional Anglican elegance with a lively sense of character, resulting in pieces that are both engaging and musically satisfying. Rawsthorne had a remarkable ability to create memorable melodies, effective harmonic colours, and structurally balanced works that suit both performers and listeners. His organ compositions, in particular, display a fine understanding of the instrument’s capabilities, offering music that is accessible without ever sacrificing artistic depth. The enduring popularity of his works reflects their lasting quality, musical integrity, and distinctive personal voice. His music will be played for many years to come.
Wachet auf, ruft unds die Stimme (Chorale, Trio, Aria, Pedal Solo & Finale)
Dedicated ‘To Ian Tracey on the occasion of his 25th Anniversary Recital as Organist of Liverpool Cathedral’ this was premiered at the 79th Anniversary Recital and heard again at Noel’s memorial recital in October 2019. The music takes the form of five variations on the Lutheran chorale, harmonised by J S Bach and used in his Cantata 140. The fanfare motif employed in the final variation nostalgically quotes from his Liverpool Service commissioned by the Dean and Chapter of Liverpool Cathedral in 1992.
Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott (Chorale, Pedal Solo, Aria, Introduction and Fugato, & Finale)
The second Chorale Fantasie was dedicated ‘a mon ami Gordon Stewart’ but was unfinished at the time of Noel’s death in 2019. Having spent many years in the loft with Noel as Organ Scholar and Assistant Organist and having heard many of his chorale improvisations, Ian Tracey completed the Fantasie and gave its first performance at the 94th Anniversary Recital in 2020. The piece takes the form of five variations on the Lutheran chorale, harmonised by J S Bach and used in his Cantata 80. The fanfare motif employed in the final variation appropriately quotes from his Blackburn Service commissioned by the Dean & Chapter of Blackburn Cathedral in 1996.
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