Spectrum (Variations on "Winchester New") (2014)

Douglas Bell (b. 1932) — Spectrum (Variations on “Winchester New”) (2014) for organ

1. Andante (for David Glover)
2. Con moto (for Margaret Whiteley)
3. Lento (for Joan Woodall)
4. Allegro (for David Baker)
5. Solenne (for Philip Tordoff)
6. Tempo di Sarabanda (for David Rogers)
7. Piacevole (for David Barker)
8. Maestoso (for Christopher Brown)

The eight small pieces that comprise “Spectrum” (2014) are variations on the hymn tune WINCHESTER NEW and were composed in honor of the Thursday lunchtime organ recitals series at Halifax Minster. Each piece is dedicated to different individual that the composer met there—starting with Halifax historian (and provider of refreshments!) David Glover and ending with the director of music, Christopher Brown. The tune WINCHESTER NEW was chosen because of its association with the text “On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry.” Halifax Minster’s full name is “The Minster Church of St. John the Baptist, Halifax.”

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/) in “Trilogy”