Soliloquy

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.

"Soliloquy" was published by Novello in 1946 as No. 189 in its "Original Compositions for the Organ (New Series)" group of publications. It is dedicated "For Stanley Bailey".

By definition, a soliloquy (from Latin solo "to oneself" + loquor "I talk") is a device often used in drama when a character speaks to himself or herself, relating thoughts and feelings, thereby also sharing them with the audience, giving off the illusion of being a series of unspoken reflections.

That being said, I think that "Soliloquy" is an apt title for this work. It is written in Rowley's favorite "grand arch form," although the arch is relatively "small" in this work. Small or not, a fine climax is reached, and the feelings of yearning are nicely warmed by the rich key of E major.

I recently finished reading Beryl Kington's book, "Rowley Rediscovered," and was pleased to "get to know better" someone that I think I already knew quite well.

Several months ago, I had promised to do some of the composer's larger works in the new year, and I'm already deeply into his "Symphony No. 2", which is VERY different from any of his other organ works, and on a large scale with some unique formats. I hope to have this done pretty soon, but in the meantime, I'll have another "small" Rowley coming later in the week to commemorate the day of Rowley's death in 1958.

The "Rowley Riot" has returned!

The score is attached below, as well as SEVERAL photos of the composer. :-)