Postlude on "Regent Square"

Alec Rowley (1892-1958) was born in London on 13 March 1892. He was renowned as a teacher, composer, organist, pianist, lecturer and write. He studied at the RAM with Frederick Corder and where he won sundry scholarships and prizes. He was an organist at several London churches including, during the Second World War, St Margaret's, Westminster.

Rowley was a superb teacher, who did much to assist the student. Unfortunately, this labeled him as a "writer of children's music" in the eyes of some.

In working towards the ultimate conclusion of the complete organ works of Alec Rowley, I discovered that I had not done "Postlude on 'Regent Square."

The piece was published by Novello in 1958 in the collection, "Two-Stave Voluntaries by Modern Composers."

It is a brief, but fine working out of the well-known melody, "Regent Square," composed by Henry Smart (1813-1879). Smart was a fine musician, and his works are well-worth a look at, demanding an excellent playing ability.

The tune "Regent Square" is generally associated with three texts:

1) Angels, from the realms of glory (only in the USA)
2) Holy Father, great Creator
3) Christ is made the sure foundation

Rowley calls his piece a "postlude," and it is more of that than it is a "hymn prelude."

While it could serve nicely as a festival introduction to the hymn, Rowley wrote his piece in C Major, and it would be MIGHTY rare to find the tune in this the old, high key! Normally it is sung in B-flat, or even A.

The score is attached below, as well as photos of Alec Rowley and Henry Smart.

While I speak in no official capacity, I can tell you the release of the Peterborough set is very near, after a fine and precise attention to detail!

Also, look for another major work in the ongoing Rowley Riot!

With any luck, the "Heroic Suite" will be uploaded within the coming week.

Also expect a rare, "patriotic march" for Fourth of July! :-)