Three Preludes on Melodies from the Genevan Psalter - No. 2

In his book "British Organ Music of the 20th Century", Peter Hardwick writes of Charles Woods' organ music: "It is not difficult to see why the organ music has not proved to be of lasting value. His fondness for a reserved, austere, almost puritanical mood throughout, coupled with a joylessness, endows his output with a deadening, leaden effect." Sounds appealing, doesn't it?!? ;-)

He goes on to criticize Woods' choice of tunes as: "These (works) are almost all completely absent from most modern hymnals and therefore little-known by organists and congregations."

I guess he isn't a fan...

The Second Prelude is based on the "Song of Symeon" and is rather "pianistic" in its delicate approach.

The right hand has a continuous motif in 16th notes, that remind the listener of small piano works of the 19th century. The melody appears in the tenor register, and is played on the Swell 8's plus the Oboe. The right hand is played on the Choir Dulciana which has the 4' Concert Flute of the Solo coupled to it at 16' pitch. I felt the Choir flutes were too loud to make the desired effect.

The text is, of course, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace", and has a sense of quiet resignation to it.