Easter Prelude based on "O Filii et Filiae"

Thomas Frederick Handel Candlyn (1892–1964) was an English-born organist, composer and choirmaster who spent most of his professional career at two Episcopal Church congregations in New York.

He was born December 17, 1892 in Davenham, Cheshire, England, the son of Thomas John Candlyn, an organist, and received the Bachelor of Music degree from Durham University in 1911. In 1915 he was offered the position of organist and choirmaster at St. Paul’s Church, Albany, and he emigrated to the United States. He was to remain at St. Paul’s for twenty-eight years. In 1918 he became a United States citizen.

In 1943 he succeeded T. Tertius Noble as organist and choirmaster at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, New York, where he remained until his retirement in 1954.

Candlyn composed two hundred works, primarily anthems, cantatas, service settings and organ solos. Three of his anthems (“Christ, whose glory fills the skies,” “Thee We Adore,” and “King of Glory, King of Peace”) remain part of the standard repertoire of Episcopal church choirs in North America.

Published by the Oliver Ditson Company in 1932, this is really a splendid work. Candlyn sets the famous French plainsong melody that is traditionally sung on the Sunday after Easter. "O sons and daughters, let us sing," deals with dramatic scene of the apostle Thomas doubting that the Lord had risen. The first "doubting Thomas" insists that he will not believe until he sees ("seeing is believing"), and when he does, he exclaims, "My Lord and my God!"

Candlyn shows his skills as a composer by keeping the French influence, both in terms of harmonies, registrations, etc. There is a brief but well-written fugue, that segues directly out of the opening material. After a softer, but not slower, section, the grand ending has a modern harmonic treatment, vivid with color, and gives the Solo Tuba a chance as well.

The score is attached, as well as a photo of Candlyn at the organ at St. Paul's Church in Albany.