Postlude

William Mathias (1934-1992) was born in Whitland, Carmarthenshire. A child prodigy, he started playing the piano at the age of three and composing at the age of five. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music under Lennox Berkeley, where he was elected a fellow in 1965. In 1968, he was awarded the Bax Society Prize of the Harriet Cohen International Music Award. He was professor of music and head of department in the University of Wales, Bangor, from 1970 until 1988.

His compositions include large scale works, including an opera, three symphonies and three piano concertos. Much of his music was written for the Anglican choral tradition, most famously the anthem "Let the people praise Thee, O God" written for the July 1981 royal wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales.

He founded the North Wales International Music Festival in St Asaph in 1972 and directed it until his death in 1992. He is buried outside St Asaph Cathedral.

"Postlude" dates from 1962, and is immediate in its appeal. It is bright and syncopated, with a strong tune that brings a smile to the listener. The harmonies and effects immediately identify this is a Mathias work!

It is included in "An Album of Postludes," published by Oxford University Press.