Organ Voluntary

Cedric Hargraves (1921–2010) was born in Adelaide, Australia and lived in New Zealand from 1935. He studied the organ from 1939–41 with the prominent New Zealand organist Edgar Randall. Hargraves spent his
professional career as a pharmacist. Upon retirement, he composed a number of works for organ during the 1990s, both original and
hymn-based pieces.

"Organ Voluntary" comes from Volume One of Hargraves' works, and the score states that it was composed in November of 1992.

With any group of pieces like these miniatures that Hargraves has composed, I suppose there is always the danger of "sameness."

That being said, I think these works are holding their own in maintaining their "attractiveness" but also their quality.

There is a unique "personality" about these works.

Our member, rmdostie has said that he hears "similarities" to the works of Harold Darke. I agree with Rick, but I think I'd add that these feel a bit more "modern" in their textures. The harmonies may be a bit "simpler" than some of Darke's, and they also feel a bit "later" than the "1950's English-style" that Darke excelled at.

See what you think! :-)

Due to copyright issues, I will not attach the files, but you can contact me if you are interested.