The choralepreludes in this volume combine traditional classical form with stilistic elementsof Celtic folk music such as dance rhythms, syncopation, and ornamental figuresthat give them a certain lightness.

Almost allchorals, almost all of which are ecumenical, were composed for practical use. Therefore,they are mostly kept quite short (about 1 min.) and quote the chorale melodycompletely as cantus firmus in the approximate singing tempo. Some preludes have a quasi baroque design, but most also have a certain Celtic flavor. Indications aboutstops have been omitted, the indications SW (Swell) and HW(Great) just indicatewhere the c. f. is to be emphasized. The preludes arefollowed by accompanying movements. Listen to the youtube video which lets you hear all movements: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqlqjKo3xGg&t=506s

I needed a short, easy, joyful postlude to play after an Epiphany service on a very simple one-manual organ with a very limited, non-standard pedalboard, so I wrote this postlude (duration 2 minutes) on the melody Dix "As with Gladness Men of Old.."
(On a two manual organ, I'd be tempted to play the chorale sections on a different manual)
Please visit www.simonpeberdymusic.com where you will find plenty more new organ pieces and a whole lot more.

Apologies for the quality of the recording at the moment - if anyone wants to record it, please send me an mp3!

Song List: Away In A Manger God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen I Saw Three Ships It Came Upon the Midnight Clear Joy To The World Sing We Now of Christmas

Song List: Angels We Have Heard On High On Jordans Banks the Baptists Cry Christians Awake Lo How a Rose Joy To The World O Come All Ye Faithful What Child Is This O Little Town of Bethlehem Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence It Came Upon the Midnight Clear In a Lowly Manger Born Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

ISBN 9780787765927.

For more than thirty years, George Emlen was music director of the legendary \"Christmas Revels,\" a musical and theatrical presentation that explores Christmas music and perspectives from a different world culture each year. Drawing on his deep knowledge and love of the repertoire, Emlen arranged carols from ten different countries as organ solos. This unique Christmas collection is sure to provide something fresh for your seasonal repertoire. The arrangements stand alone as voluntaries or can be combined into varied groupings as concert suites.