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St Albans Triptych by Matthew Martin

I – Introduction with dances
II – Intermezzo (Lamento)
III – Fugue

This three-movement work was commissioned by the St Albans International Organ Festival as the test piece for competitors in the 2019 organ competition.

Much of the material is derived from a six-note cell (D, A, B flat, E, F C) which has been used to create short melodic lines related by transposition. This row is often ‘rotated’ and then stitched together to form more extended passages. Sometimes these are stated rather boldly and at other moments more buried within the texture. This hexachordal-rotation device also contributes to some of the more structural harmony, and the fugue subject is derived from it.

The three movements should be played without a break but can also be performed separately. There is also an alternative ending to the the first movement so that it can segue into the Fugue, omitting the central ‘Lamento’.

The score is published by Novello and available from musicroom and also to view on Nkoda.

Saturday 21 March 2020 Rosalind Ventris’s home

In place of her scheduled concert at St Albans International Organ Festival, violist Rosalind Ventris performs Bach’s Third Suite in C major BWV 1009 on Facebook Live.

https://www.facebook.com/riamdublin/videos/2815275878557638/

Saturday 24 May 2014 St Albans Cathedral

Pierre Pincemaille Titular Organist, Basilica of Saint Dénis, Paris
With the Gentlemen of St Albans Cathedral Choir directed by Andrew Lucas

2013 Prizewinners’ Concert 

Jihoon Song winner of Peter Hurford Bach Prize
JS Bach: Prelude & Fugue in C BWV 547

Anna-Victoria Baltrusch Interpretation Joint 2nd Prizewinner
Schumann: Sketches No.3 & 4 Op. 58

Martin Sturm Winner of Tournemire Prize for Improvisation
Improvisation

James McVinnie performs
David J Loxley-Blount Winner of Choir and Organ Composition Competition 2013: Sonus repercussus

Simon Thomas Jacobs First Prizewinner of Interpretation Competition and Audience Prize
William Bolcom: Free-Fantasia on “O Zion haste” and “How firm a foundation”

Castaway Classics Highlights with Susan Landale, interviewed by Graeme Kay

St Albans International Organ 50th Anniversary Festival
12 July 2013

The distinguished 2013 jury member and winner of the first St Albans International Organ Competition in 1963 chooses her favourite music, in conversation with BBC presenter Graeme Kay. 

For copyright reasons no music has been included, but Susan Landale’s choice of pieces is listed in full at the end of the video.