Christmastide, Op. 34

Basil Harwood (1859-1949) was born on 11 April 1859. He went up to Charterhouse in 1874 and left in 1876 having won an Exhibition to Trinity College, Oxford where he initially studied Classics and Modern History. He then studied for a further two years, 1881–1882, at the Leipzig Conservatory.

In 1883, he became organist of St. Barnabas Church, Pimlico completing his Sonata in C# Minor here in 1885. After this success, he then moved to Ely Cathedral in 1887 where he wrote the bulk of "Dithyramb," possibly his greatest organ work. His final appointment was as organist at Christ Church, Oxford and as precentor of Keble College, Oxford from 1892 to 1909. He retired early at age 50 (in 1909) but continued to compose prolifically.

He was a man who loved walking, was fastidiously proud of his beard, and who was loved by his choristers. His choirboys called him "Old Billy"... ;-)

"Christmastide, Op. 34" was published by Novello in 1920. It bears the inscription: "A Fantasia composed for the Re-Opening of the Organ at Gloucester Cathedral. 1920."

Sir Alfred Herbert Brewer (1865-1928) was the great Victorian organist of Gloucester cathedral (1897-1928).

A local musical monarch, he was a firm disciplinarian with choristers, lay clerks, and assistant organists. It was said to have been a "bad day" if he played a wrong note! His early musical training was as a chorister at Gloucester and then as a pupil of C. H. Lloyd. Apart from his music, he lead an active public life, being appointed City High Sheriff in 1922, and was knighted in 1926.

"Christmastide" is a music drama which carries the listener along in a grand Biblical epic of the birth of Jesus. The writing is virtuosic and colorful throughout, making demands upon the performer in all aspects of delivery.

The score is attached below, as well as photos of Harwood, Brewer, and the cathedrals at which they served.

I wish everyone a blessed Christmas and all happiness in the coming year!

Please see FIRST COMMENT.