Pastorale: "The Rosy Sequence" (Three Pieces based on Plainsong, No.1)

Clifford Harker (1912-1999) was most known for his long and distinguished tenure as organist of Bristol Cathedral.

He took over the console of Bristol Cathedral at a time of great change. Hubert Hunt had ruled the organ loft for most of the first half of this century but his successor, Alwyn Surplice, stayed for just three years before moving to Winchester. Between his appointment in 1949 and his retirement in 1983, Harker held firm to the musical and choral traditions of Bristol's great 12th-century centre of worship creating a force of stability for those who worshipped and sang there.

"Pastorale'" is the first of "Three Pieces (based on Plainsong Themes)" published by Bosworth & Co. Ltd. in 1956.

The work uses the famous (to some) "Rosy Sequence" for its theme. The Rosy Sequence is part of the hymn "Jesu, dulcis memoria", used as a sequence for the Feast of the Name of Jesus in the Sarum rite. Often the text is used as a Communion Hymn, but it would be appropriate on any feat commemorating the Name of Jesus.

The style is expressive and the music is quite reminiscent of the works of Ralph Vaughan Williams, which is no bad thing.

The shape and flow are exemplary.

Several photos of Clifford Harker, as well as some of the magnificent Bristol Cathedral are attached below.