Chorale Prelude on, "Rockingham" (When I survey the wondrous Cross)

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 Abingdon Press in 1961, Candlyn manages to find "new material" in the well-known melody. These include some lovely harmonic touches, and a canon in the final "verse." The mood is quiet and calm, and the feel is improvisatory, but the piece does not wander about, as the material is nicely set. Written only 3 years before his death, the writing is fresh, and speaks of Candlyn's skills as a composer.

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