Shades of a White Rose (2013)

Douglas Bell (b. 1932) — Shades of a White Rose (2013) for organ

1. Jig
2. Epicedium
3. Tixover Prelude
4. Richard Recalled

The title of this suite, “Shades of a White Rose,” refers the “White Rose of York,” a symbol of the House of York and the Yorkshire region of England in general, of which the composer is a loyal native. An “epicedium” is a funeral ode. “Tixover Prelude” refers to St. Luke’s Church, Tixover, Rutland: a 12th century foundation, remotely situated in the Welland Valley. “Richard Recalled” refers to Richard III, born in Fotheringhay (1452) and died Bosworth Field (1485). The composer was inspired to write this movement after the discovery of Richard III’s skull in a parking lot in early 2013.

English composer Douglas Bell served as organist of St. Bartholomew’s Church, Marsden, near Huddersfield, England from 1955 until 2003. He was a student of Francis Jackson and holds a Fellowship certificate from the Royal College of Organists. Bell has composed and published many organ works. In addition to his musical pursuits, Bell played professional cricket for the teams of Huddersfield, Marsden, and Elland.

Published by animus Music Publishing (http://www.animusi.co.uk/)