Prelude on "Hyfrydol"

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. He composed two hundred works, primarily anthems, cantatas, service settings and organ solos.

"Prelude on 'Hyfrydol'" was published by Abingdon Press in 1961. Although it comes from near the end of Candlyn's life, the music has lost NONE of it's zest or unique creativity.

Candlyn gives the beloved melody, composed by Rowland Hugh Prichard (1811-1887) a daring and brilliant treatment, varying textures, colors, and tonalities, and including a thrilling section with the melody is played on the full pedal organ!

It's an exceptional and useful setting of a tune that doesn't seem to receive many attempts from composers, making it especially valuable!

My THANKS to our very kind member who sent the score to me! :-)

That score is attached below, as well as the MIDI of the performance, several photos of Candlyn and of St. Paul's Church in Albany, and one of Rowland Hugh Prichard.