Song of Creation

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 is 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.

When I did this piece yesterday and today, I had forgotten the EdoL had already uploaded a FINE performance! So, I dedicate this upload to Edo with friendship and respect!

We both did it on the same organ, and our "timings" are VERY similar... ;-)

At the time of Edo's upload, I called this piece "early new-agey," and I still think this is accurate. When you consider that Stainer & Bell published this in 1933, you realize that this was VERY different from ANY British organ music of the period!

Rowley places words by Christina Rossetti (1830-1894): "I All Creation sing my song of praise To God who made me and vouchsafes my days."

The piece begins with what I think is a blast of the shofar, as it was on the Day of Rosh Hashanah that the world was "called into being."

The work sweeps along, with pedal ostinatos rumbling, and a song-like theme played in thick chords. The shofar appears several times, and the their is a chance for the "orchestral woodwinds" of the Solo in the middle.

The movement is more or less continuous, and a tremendous climax is reached, which melts away to the song-like theme, before achieving an even greater climax, now in the major, at the end.

The score is attached, as well as photo of Alec Rowley and one of Christina Rossetti.