Heroic Suite

Alec Rowley was born in London on 13 March 1892, teacher, composer, organist, pianist, lecturer and writer, who studied at the RAM with Frederick Corder and where he won sundry scholarships and prizes. He was an organist at several London churches including, during the Second World War, St Margaret's, Westminster. He died on 11 January 1958 while playing tennis.

Rowley was a superb teacher, who did much to assist the student. Unfortunately, this labeled him as a "writer of children's music" in the eyes of some.

He was a fine organist, have gained his FRCO by the time he was 16. His largest organist position was at St. Alban's, Teddington, a large and important church. It was during his time at this church that Rowley married and then divorced. Divorce for someone working in the church was not tolerated, and Rowley was forced to leave his position.

"Heroic Suite" was published in 1921 by Edwin Ashdown, Ltd. It consists of four movements, and dedicated to musicians who had a close association with Rowley.

Timings of Individual Movements are:

Heroic Postlude 0:00
Lament 6:33
Mood Fantasy 12:21
Triumph Song 17:52

The score is attached below, as well as photos of Alec Rowley, two of St. Alban's Church, Teddington, one of his composition professor and dedicatee of the first movement, Frederick Corder, and two of Harvey Grace, organist of Chichester Cathedral, and dedicatee of the third movement.

Please see the FIRST COMMENT for extensive notes on the piece, and the men to whom the movements are dedicated.

With the upload of this work, there are now only 2 remaining works to do: "Chorale Prelude on 'Winchester New'" and the great "Sonata in A Minor". I had originally intended to do the chorale during the appropriate season of Advent, and then completing the Rowley Riot with the start of 2020. However, I've decided to move ahead now, so, my listeners can expect the prelude later this week, and the sonata some time before the end of the year. :-)