Horsham Music Circle offers final autumn series concert

Spokeswoman Jill Elsworthy said: “This will be the second of two lunchtime organ recitals given by Gerald Taylor and will be at the Unitarian Church at 1pm on Wednesday, December 14.

“A good number attended the first recital with its celebratory theme for St Cecilia, Vaughan Williams and Cesar Franck. The December programme too has its theme with the approaching Advent and Christmas season and the previous birthday celebrations are not forgotten when more works by Vaughan Williams and Cesar Franck are included.

“The recital opens with a bold and cheerful piece for full organ, the Grand Choeur alla Handel by Alexandre Guilmant which was inspired by the music of Handel. Guilmant’s music also went on to inspire both Widor and Vierne to compose their great organ symphonies. To follow we have the Advent Chorale prelude Nun komm der heiden heiland by J S Bach from a set usually known as the Eighteen Grand Chorales. Bach was inspired to create the most attractive elaboration of a simple chorale resulting in a beautiful work of real poignancy. Busoni arranged this prelude for solo piano and it often features in piano recitals as it did here this September in St Mary’s when French pianist Bernard d’Ascoli opened his recital for the Music Circle with this work.

“The grand majestic opening of Mendelssohn’s Sonata No 3 shows the composer’s finely crafted original style, this possibly being the most popular of his six Organ Sonatas. In his early career Vaughan Williams was organist at St Barnabas Church in South Lambeth. In 1943 he wrote an original piece for the Wedding of Miss Ann Pain and titled it A Wedding Tune for Ann. The festive season is on its way and from Liszt’s Christmas Tree Suite we hear The Shepherds at the Manger. This piece includes In Dulci Jubilo in a restful, gentle lullaby. Liszt wrote The Suite for his first grandchild Daniela von Bülow. In contrast the following piece by Cesar Franck opens in a toccata style before the theme of Choral 111 comes in.

“A beautiful Adagio section and an exciting return to the opening material closes with a grand statement of the original Chorale. The final piece in the concert is a tribute to the Virgin Mary, Ave Maris Stella was set by Flor Peeters as a Toccata, Fugue and Hymn. Peeters was organist of Malines Cathedral and was made Baron by the King of Belgium.

“Entry is free for the one-hour recital with a retiring collection to support the Music Circle’s live music promotions. Just turn up on the door or book ahead by phoning 01403 252602 or emailing [email protected].”