Philip Underwood

And talking of ‘grannies’ (see Gordon Lawson), here is what the composer says about his latest Fagus offering: “Wedding congregations offer a unique challenge to the organist. Music is required with tunes that ‘granny’ will recognise in a style to satisfy the ‘coolest’ net surfer. Hopefully, this lively set of pieces goes some way to meeting that need and proves, yet again, what a vibrant instrument the organ is. As a recital item, audience participation can be encouraged by the offer of a small prize for the correct identification of all the hidden melodies, recalling the heyday of the popular music quiz ‘Face the Music’.

The composer is organist at St John the Divine, Brooklands Sale, and one imagines he is professionally and happily obliged (and able) to sometimes be trendy (and manages rather better than your publisher - see Newsletter). You too now have the chance to enjoy his wit and inventiveness, and to share his enthusiasm for what for better description might be called a 'cross-over' style.

Triumphal Trumpet - Folksy Flute - Corybantic Cornopean - Halcyon Hautbois - Cordial Cornet - Tutti Toccata

These pieces were written for the composer’s son when he began to learn the organ, having mastered the piano to grade 3. This is a suite of a short set of pieces introducing some of the main colours of the organ. Technical difficulty particularly in the pedals is restricted, whilst at the same time the writing is attractive and exciting. The movements are varied in tempo, texture and style and would be particularly suitable for Weddings or Recital use on any two manual instrument.

These 3 pieces were composed for a recital given in July 2004 as part of the 37th Season of “Music for a Summer Evening at Hawkshead” held in the delightful Parish Church. The pieces are a highly poetic attempt to capture the flavour of the Lakeland scenery and people.

'Escafeld’ is the ancient name for Sheffield, and this ‘pomp and circumstance’ style march celebrates that northern city’s exuberant atmosphere.

This suite of folksong arrangements was written in 2002 for a series of recitals given in Norfolk in the summer of that year. It was an immediate success. The tunes were selected in consultation with the noted authority Alan Waller. There is a Grainger-like vigour to these settings which is highly stimulating, and there is no doubt that this work would be very effective in a recital.

Seven Folk Song Fancies: A Tribute to Harry Cox

(B/C)

£10.00

Conceived in honour of one of Norfolk’s most celebrated folk singers these sparkling movements based on traditional tunes are a real delight; this is especially true of the concluding Toccata where Percy Grainger may be seen to shake hands with John Adams, in a splendid perpetuum mobile.