Sonata in A Minor (1 - Allegro; 2 - Andante quasi moderato)

With the uploading of the "Sonata in A Minor," this will COMPLETE the Rowley Riot!

Alec Rowley was born in London on 13 March 1892, teacher, composer, organist, pianist, lecturer and writer, who 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. He died on 11 January 1958 while playing tennis.

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.

The "Sonata in A Minor" is dedicated: "To Dr. Harold Darke." Darke (1888-1976) was considered to be one of the finest organists of his generation. He was Director of Music at St. Michael's, Cornhill for 50 years, where his weekly organ recitals became an institution.

The extra dedication, "Homage to Julius Reubke" is really only for the final movement. His famous, "Sonata on the 94th Psalm" was Rowley's favorite organ work.

Also well-known as a composer of organ and choral works, almost everyone will know Harold Darke's carol, "In the bleak mid-winter."

The score is attached below, as the final appearance of the known well-known photos of Alec Rowley, Harold Darke, and St. Michael's Church, Cornill, London, and a picture of Julius Reubke (1834-1858), composer of the famous sonata so greatly loved by Rowley.

Please see the FIRST COMMENT for extensive notes on the piece, and a few words about the conclusion of the Rowley Riot.

The timings for the individual movements are:

Allegro 0:00
Andante quasi moderato 11:11

Because of the length, the Sonata has to be split into two separate uploads. Sorry! :-)

My sincere thanks and appreciation to all who listened to and commented on any of the works by Alec Rowley that I have uploaded.

I'm glad to have gotten to know him through his music, and pleased to have been able to share his work with listeners and followers.