Fotheringhay Suite (2011)

Douglas Bell (b. 1932) — Fotheringhay Suite (2011) for organ

1. Mr. Bull’s Sortie
2. Mary’s Dumpë
3. Royal Tordion
4. Lantern Song
5. A Hymn for Richard

Built in about 1100, Fotheringhay Castle, in Northhamptonshire, was a seat of the Scottish, and later, of the English monarchy in the Middle Ages. Granted by Edward III to his fifth son, Edmund Langley, it became home to the House of York. In 1509, Henry VIII gave it to his betrothed wife, Katherine of Aragon and, successively, to his future wives. The castle was demolished shortly after 1635.

1) Mr. Bull was the executioner of Mary, Queen of Scots, in the Great Hall of Fotheringhay Castle: 8 February 1587.
2) In the 16th century, a dump was a mournful piece, hence the expression: “down in the dumps.”
3) Tordion was a 16th century dance in quick triple time.
4) The 15th century church, with lantern tower, of St. Mary and All Saints stands above the River Nene.
5) Richard III was born in Fotheringhay Castle in 1452.

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/)