Fantasy On A Theme Of Liszt was written in 1967 for a Cheltenham Festival concert. The theme which lies behind the work is the opening tune of Liszt's Faust Symphony, though this is never heard in its original form but is rather used as a thematic reservoir from which the music is derived. It is dedicated to the American composer and conductor Bernard Herrmann.

John McCabe (1939-2015) was a British composer, pianist and music administrator. He studied at the Royal Manchester College of Music (now the RNCM), and built a career as a virtuoso pianist. However, he also wrote several hundred musical compositions, ranging from large-scaleorchestral works to chamber music and solo instrumental pieces - it is said the only classical genre he did not write for was opera

SKU: SU.80101410

Fantasy-Variations on Two Themes (2017) for organ was written for Heinrich Christensen in celebration of his significant 2017 birthday. The musical material for the work comprises two different themes. The first is a short melody by the Danish composer Carl Nielsen (1865-1931). (It was a sketch originally intended for inclusion in, but ultimately left out of, Nielsen's late organ work 29 Little Preludes.) This theme represents Heinrich's native Denmark. The second theme is the American folk-gospel hymn Angel Band. This theme represents Heinrich's adopted American homeland. It serves also as a remembrance of our dear mutual friend Harry Lyn Huff (1952-2016), for whom the tune was a particular favorite. Both these themes are developed freely in a set of alternating fantasy-variations. The opening variation begins with a dramatic pedal solo before quoting both themes. The second variation is a lyric setting based on the Nielsen melody. The third is a jubilant hornpipe on Angel Band. The fourth is an aria on a transformation of the Nielsen melody. The fifth is a gigue-toccata on Angel Band. The sixth is an atmospheric contemplation: lush chords in the manuals move slowly and hint at Angel Band while the Nielsen melody is heard for the first time in its complete original form on a high pedal stop. The seventh and final variation begins with a brief evocation of the harmonies of the late Daniel Pinkham (a mentor to both Heinrich and me) before going on to return dramatically and jubilantly to the opening music, bringing together both themes again in a bold conclusion. Instrumentation: Organ Duration: 15' Composed: 2017 Published by: Zimbel Press.

SKU: HL.1197758

UPC: 196288134886. 6.75x10.5x0.045 inches.

Here's a choral fantasy on the traditional African American spiritual, “Soon I Will Be Done.” The grave Wagnerian opening sets the stage for the fiery main theme of the piece–a triplet feeling motif in the lower piano that continues under each chorus statement of the melody. The choir re-enters in the role of the “orchestra” in the second chorus with a haunting legato counter melody that leads up to the first verse. Each verse should have a Gospel/Stride feel with the choir, particularly the upper voices, switching to a more Gospel sound and rhythmic feel. The A sections should be performed with aggression and angst to contrast the calm legato middle section. That middle section is our musical prayer of hope that, like the sentiment of this Spiritual, will continue to live in our hearts despite the sometimes difficult realities of life.

SKU: CF.CPS93F

ISBN 9780825870538. UPC: 798408070533.

A concert rhapsody based on three early American tunes. You will hear the influence of the church hymn in this setting, but it also contains brass fanfares, woodwind flourishes, and exciting climaxes that make this piece an excellent selection for contest/festival performance.