This is an outstandingly atmospheric piece of music, the final part of Holst's choral work 'Ode to Death'. Holst composed this work in response to the First World War. He dedicated it to his musical friend Cecil Coles and "the others" who were killed in that war. The breath-takingly beautiful tune is supported by other-worldly harmonies and an unusual 7/4 rhythm to create music of immense presence. It works really beautifully on the organ: a wonderful piece for recitals, meditative services, remembrance or to play on your own for the sheer reward offered by this exceptional music. Also a great piece for demonstrating different solos and effects of the organ, including a great outlet for the Vox Humana, solo Flute and quiet Strings. Even bells, if you're lucky enough to have a set on your instrument!

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!