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Paul Edwards

List of Compositions

Paul Edwards is one of today's leading composers of (principally) choir and organ music.  All of the following are attractive and practical works

Recital

This piece was first published by Oecumuse in 1999, and it has now been re-mastered in a slightly larger font size. It is here re-issued together with a new colour cover and preface. ‘Iste Confessor’ is one of the great French tunes of the 18th century, and here it is subject, within a relatively short span, to an amazingly varied series of variations. It moreover has the priceless quality (for some of us at least) of sounding much more difficult than it actually is. Your publisher gives an occasional recital and has played this piece 3 times over the years. Each time the performance has been greeted enthusiastically.

Purchaser of this piece will all receive a complimentary copy of the ‘Voluntary for a City Church’

Organ Music

Dedicated to Ian Cann in celebration of his 50 years service as organist of Okehampton Parish Church, this straightforward music makes an ideal postlude, for absolutely anyone needing a tuneful easy out-voluntary.

This collection of nine organ pieces for a one-manual instrument was composed between the summer of 2004 and the winter of 2005.  It was requested by the Northampton & District Organists’ Association, in memory of Stan Tarry (1920 - 2002), who served as its President from 1999 to 2000. The suggestion was for a variety of styles and moods, suitable for pre- or post-service use, and for occasions both solemn and joyful.  Having similar aims, this collection nicely complements the Humphrey Clucas piece (above).

A new work by Paul is a real event for us all.  The idiom will be familiar to many but the ideas are worked with the expected elegance and true depth of feeling.  This issue would constitute a fine addition to one’s funeral repertoire.

This piece was written for the wedding of Paul’s cousin in September 2006.  Like Humphrey’s ‘Trouvailles’ this piece was played by your publisher in his church as soon as he had computer-set it.  Rich, dignified, a smashing out-voluntary if ever there was one !

This is another re-mastering of an Oecumuse issue, comprising two movements in a sort of 18th century style for manuals only. A scrap from the master’s notebook maybe, but most of us will find a use for it.

Contemporary Organ Music and Organ Arrangements

The hymn-tune ‘St. Godric’, by John Bacchus Dykes (1823-1876) was composed for the hymn ‘Lord of the worlds above’ in R.R.Chope’s Congregational Hymn & Tune Book, 1862. It was sung to the hymn ‘Thou God of truth and love’ (Charles Wesley) at the wedding of the dedicatees of this organ piece who are long-standing friends of the composer.
The idiom and writing are quite straightforward with a very simple pedal part, though the slow variation (no 6) is of gorgeous lushness.

Choir

Surely the Lord is in this Place - Jesu, that dost in Mary dwell - ‘Requests’ - There will be rest.

A fine collection of Paul’s latest works for unaccompanied chorus (in up to 8 parts). They are enjoyable to sing, though clearly the choir must confident with relatively mild dissonance, and must be able to sing in tune.
The simple but intense setting of ‘Requests’ is particularly affecting, and moreover is less demanding technically.

Oecumuse Re-issue

Last updated: 10 September 2011