Chorale Prelude on "Hanover" (Volume Four, No. 3)

Alec Rowley (1892-1958) was a pupil of Frederick Corder at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He was a composer, organist and pianist, who taught composition at Trinity College in London. He broadcast frequently in piano duet repertoire with Edgar Moy, and his name was known to many through his writing and through the many educational pieces that he wrote, staple fare for many a beginner or amateur player. His more demanding work as a composer has been unfairly neglected. Rowleys Piano Concerto No.1, scored for piano, strings, and percussion, was first performed in 1938.

He was for many years the organist of St Alban's Church, Teddington and was a contributor to 'The Rotunda', the house magazine of Henry Willis & Sons Ltd.

Rowley composed a large amount of organ music, much of which is of a high quality.
He wrote seven volumes of "Chorale Preludes based on Famous Hymn Tunes".

This brilliant setting comes from the 4th volume, the preludes in this volume are for "general" use. The text that Rowley gives for this tune is "Disposer Supreme," but I think everyone will know it by the text, "O Worship the King."

The tune is indeed a "famous one," and comes from a "melody and bass" by William Croft (1678-1727). The treatment is almost like a chorale fantasia of Hubert Parry, with its flourishes and bold writing. There are some striking modulations, which are very typical of Rowley's harmonic style.

The score is attached below, as well as a photo Alec Rowley, as well as photos of St. Alban's Church, Teddington, where Rowley was organist.

MORE Rowley to come... :-)