Offertoire (2008)

Humphrey Clucas (b. 1941) — Offertoire (2008) for organ

British composer Humphrey Clucas (b. 1941) was educated at King’s College, Cambridge and pursued a career as a teacher of English while also remaining active as a professional choral singer. After 27 years, he retired from teaching and became a Lay Vicar in the choir of Westminster Abbey, from which he retired in 1999. He has composed many works, primarily music for chorus and organ. Clucas is best known for his set of Responses, composed when he himself was a student. His large number of organ works range from small preludes (and especially many works based on plainchant) to a large-scale organ symphony. He has also published several volumes of original poetry, a collection of Catullus translations, a book of essays on A. E. Housman, and a memoir.

This brief work was commissioned by Geoffrey Atkinson, editor of the music publishing firm Fagus-Music.com. Cast in 5/4 time, this piece’s outer sections explore a searchingly lyrical (almost elegiac) melody in B minor, while a contrasting middle section in B major provides a brighter contrast.

Published by Fagus-Music.com in “The Fagus Book of Interludes and Offertories.”