Alec Rowley: Alec Rowley Farandole Ssa/Piano: SSA: Vocal Score

Humoresque makes use of syncopation and staccato to create a light-hearted mood with a slightly slower middle section for contrast before a return to the initial theme and a rocketing finish.Twentieth century British composerAlec Rowley was also an Organist pianist and dedicated teacher. Many of his compositions are miniatures and works appropriate for amateur musicians though he also gained renown through his large-scale works performed at thePromenade Concerts and elsewhere.

Alec Rowley (1892-1958) was an English composer organist and teacher. As well as his frequent Piano recitals and broadcasts he gained renown through his large-scale works performed at the Promenade Concerts but most of his compositions are miniatures and small-scale works appropriate for amateur forces. Having studied at the Royal Academy of Music he later taught at Trinity College London for nearly forty years. Badinage is a work for Piano Duet. It takes its name from a French word meaning a humourous or jovial conversation. Rowley often performed duets with Edgar Moy and published severalvolumes in this genre.

In this suite of four Christmas songs written in 1950 Rowley?s Organizing principle is dance rhythm. The first movement sets The Holly and The Ivy in a lilting 6/8 Sicilian rhythm. The second movement combines The Holly and The Ivy with The Cherry Tree Carol in a sharply contrasting minuet. The third movement fughetta setting of The Little Room gives the dancers a breather before the fourth movement?s bourrée setting for On Christmas Night and The Moon Shines Bright.Twentieth century British composer Alec Rowley was also an Organist pianist and dedicated teacher. Many of his compositions are miniatures and works appropriate for amateur musicians though he also gained renownthrough his large-scale works performed at the Promenade Concerts and elsewhere.

Fantastia on ‘Veni Emmanuel’ ‘O Come O Come Emmanuel’ is an inventive exploration of this familiar Advent and Christmas carol with unexpected harmonisations. The final allargando when the tune is made explicit is a magnificent uplifting finale.Twentieth century British composer Alec Rowley was also an Organist pianist and dedicated teacher. Many of his compositions are miniatures and works appropriate for amateur musicians though he also gained renown through his large-scale works performed at the Promenade Concerts and elsewhere.