Howells and other British composers of his time aimed to create an instantly recognisable style rooted in tradition, by finding new ways to use the tonal system.
Compositional Technique
Howells often used an arch-shaped structure in his rhapsodies, preparing a background, introducing a theme, developing the background, and then returning to the theme at its most powerful before a gradual decrease in intensity.
Historical Context
Howells lived through both World Wars and wrote several works during these conflicts, which may have influenced English composers to seek new expressive forms like the rhapsody, free from traditional German models.
Performer Biography
Adriano Falcioni, the organist on this recording, is an Italian organist recognized for his technical ability and musicality, who performs internationally and teaches at the Conservatory of Bolzano.
Instruments
The organ used for this recording was built in 1911 by Lewis & Co. for a London church and was moved in 2015 to Sotto il Monte Giovanni XXIII in Italy.
Instruments
The Lewis organ combines modern German (Schulze) and French (Cavaillé-Coll) tonalities within an English framework, offering a near-orchestral range and sonic variety.
Composer Biography
Herbert Howells (1892-1983) was a leading figure in the English Musical Renaissance, a movement that sought to forge a new path for English music.
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