Fantasie-Prelude, Op. 11

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.

He was a fine organist, have gained his FRCO by the time he was 16. His largest organist position was at St. Alban's, Teddington, a large and important church. It was during his time at this church that Rowley married and then divorced. Divorce for someone working in the church was not tolerated, and Rowley was ostracized by the parish clergy, and was forced to leave his position.

"Fantasie-Prelude, Op. 11" is an early work, dating from 1915. It was published by Paxton, and is dedicated: "To the Rev. C. J. Horsley-Smith," who I believe was the vicar of St. John's Church, Richmond, where Rowley was organist at the time of composition.

It is a true fantasia, with changing moods and colors. Parts of the work remind me of the writings of Max Reger, while others have shades of Edward Elgar, but it is the young, but already accomplished Rowley who takes the piece from tragedy to triumph, with a variety of melodic and harmonic elements that will please any Rowley fan!

This work is found in "An Album of Organ Pieces," beginning on page 21. With this upload, I have only one piece left to do from this collection.

As I still have a number of significant works to learn and record, but I hope to conclude my Rowley Riot in the next few months, so, stay tuned!

The score and photos of Rowley, and the church where he served when he wrote this piece are attached below.

A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR to ALL!