Postlude on 'Regent Square' (Five Hymn-Tune Variants No. 5)

Eric Harding Thiman (12 September 1900 – 13 February 1975) was an English composer, conductor and organist.

Born in Ashford, Kent, he was largely self-taught. He was awarded an FRCO in 1921, and a DMus in 1928. From 1930 he was Professor of Harmony at the Royal Academy of Music and later, from 1956 to 1962, was Dean of the Faculty of Music at the University of London. From 1958, having moved from Park Chapel he was organist of the City Temple in London, a Congregational Church. He was a keen advocate of amateur music-making and in the 1960s was the conductor and Musical Director of the Purley Choral Society. The choir changed its name to The Chandos Choir in 1969. He wrote much educational music for piano and other instruments, as well as music for church choirs, some of which is still performed.

Thiman's list of published works numbers about 1,300. These include a large number of partsongs and many anthems and carols. Most of his church music was written for the non-conformist churches, but he also wrote anthems and canticles for Church of England Choirs.

Thiman (like Rowley) is another one of "those guys" that I have largely discounted, because he wasn't Anglican. However, every one of his that I have performed has been well-written. These "Five Hymn Variants," given to me by one of our members, are no exception.

The fine melody of this work was composed by the important English organist, Henry Smart (1813-1879). Commonly associated in the US with the Christmas text, "Angels from the realms of glory," this hymn is not all that popular in England at Christmas.

Their is the feel of a fine fanfare about this one, and the wonderful Tuba mirabilis makes several statements. The effect is bold and joyful throughout.

If you think of Thiman as "meek and timid," check out that amazing, CRASHING final cadence before the FINAL C major!

The score is attached below, as well as a photo of Eric H. Thiman and one of the City Temple.

MORE Dudelange coming!