Prelude on "Rockingham"

Cedric Hargraves (1921–2010) was born in Adelaide, Australia and lived in New Zealand from 1935. He studied the organ from 1939–41 with the prominent New Zealand organist Edgar Randall. Hargraves spent his
professional career as a pharmacist. Upon retirement, he composed a number of works for organ during the 1990s, both original and
hymn-based pieces.

"Prelude on 'Rockingham'" comes from Volume Three of Hargraves' works, and the score states that it was composed in February of 199?. (The final number is cut off) The score is still in manuscript.

This is an excellent trio setting of Edward Miller's Mus. Doc., (b. 1735, Norwich, England; d. 1807, Doncaster) fine harmonization of the tune "Rockingham," usually associated with the text, "When I survey the wondrous Cross.

This setting has continuous 16th notes in the right hand against an also continuous "bass part" of detached 8th notes in the left. The tune is in the pedal in an unadorned version.

I found this work to be remarkable for several reasons: 1) the harmonic use, while completely "traditional" is very "unusual" in the way that it "cadences." Often, a phrase begins in a harmonic moment that you don't expect, but it's very fresh and appealing. 2) The moving 8th note part in the left hand is beautiful shaped, and creates true counter-melodies, saving the climax for the end of the tune, and at just the right spot.

I played this a little quicker than Hargraves indicated, and even at this tempo, I had to force myself to try to hold it back. Consequently, I think made the ritard at the end a bit too "exaggerated," but, that's the way I played it... ;-)

Due to copyright issues, I will not attach the files, but you can contact me if you are interested.

I don't have any photos of Cedric Hargraves, but I did attach a portrait of Edward Miller.