FRANCIS
ROUTH
Photograph by Diana Routh
CONTENTS
Biographical chronology
I Works for Orchestra
II Chamber Music
/ Music for Ensemble
III Vocal and Choral
Works
IV Keyboard Works
i Organ
Music
ii Piano
Music
V Chronological
list of works with year of completion
VI Redcliffe Recordings
Catalogue
VII Works by Samuel Wesley
NEW PERFORMANCES Summer 2011
The newly released recording by Charles Matthews of Francis
Routh’s The Well-Tempered Pianist (Redcliffe Recordings RR 021)
has been well received by audiences, players and critics. It is a study
in new tonality, and each Prelude uses the scale of extended tonality
in the same way that Bach used the diatonic scale in Das Wohltemperirte
Klavier. To the classical pianistic tradition is added contemporary
virtuosity.
“Routh’s music is to the point, virile, tonal, vividly
precise and animated in its impressionism.”
MusicWeb – International
"Francis Routh's exuberantly inventive 24 Preludes for Piano...
Matthews is on commanding form throughout, bestowing upon each prelude
its own special character with a beguiling range of tonal and micro-pedalling."
International Record Review
This première recording by Charles Matthews is the result of a three-year
composer/performer collaboration. The definitive score of The Well-Tempered
Pianist is to be published in 2011 in a special subscription
edition, numbered, listing the names of subscribers, and signed by composer
and performer. It will be published in 2011, and subscriptions are now
invited. The price is as follows (prices inclusive of postage worldwide)
:
subscription edition with free Cd £20.00
The subscription edition can be obtained by sending payment by cheque,
payable to Redcliffe Edition (no credit cards please) to the address below.
Please ensure that full name and title are included and the postal details
to which you wish the music to be sent. The last date for receiving subscriptions
is 31 October 2011.
©2005 REDCLIFFE EDITION
68 Barrowgate Road London w4 4QU UK
telephone and fax 020 8995 1223
www.redcliffe-edition.com
e-mail redcliffeedition@yahoo.co.uk
FRANCIS ROUTH Biographical Chronology
| 1927 |
Born Kidderminster, Worcestershire 15
January |
| 1935/40 |
School at The Old Hall, Wellington, Shropshire
|
| 1940/45 |
School at Malvern College/Harrow School |
| 1945/48 |
National Service, Royal Naval Volunteer
Reserve (RNVR) |
| 1948/51 |
King’s College, Cambridge |
| 1951/53 |
Royal Academy of Music
Composition, Piano, Organ
Founds St John’s Wood Choral Society |
| 1954/55 |
Studies composition with Matyas Seiber
Studies organ with John Dykes Bower |
| 1956 |
Marries (1) Virginia Raphael |
| 1958- |
Studies organ works of Olivier Messiaen.
Organist St Luke’s Church, Redcliffe Square, London SW 10. Founds
Redcliffe Festival Choir.
Plans A Sacred Tetralogy. Redcliffe Festival starts 1959.
|
| 1961/73 |
Organist St Philip’s Church,Earls Court
Road, London W8 |
| 1962/63 |
Meets soprano Ilse Wolf, who commissions
Shakespeare Songs Op.5, A woman young and old Op.4.
|
| 1963/64 |
Redcliffe Festival moves to Arts Council,4
St James’s Square, London SW1, under the name Redcliffe Concerts
(first concert 4 April 1964). Elegy Op.6 commissioned
and performed by Ilse Wolf.
Organ designed with Noel Mander ,built St Philip’s, Earls Court
Road.
International series of organ recitals 1964. |
| 1965/66 |
A Sacred Tetralogy I (The Manger Throne)
first broadcast by Gillian
Weir. Songs of Farewell performed by Ilse Wolf.
Redcliffe Concerts of contemporary music planned in London with
funding from The Arts Council of Great Britain.
Assists in the preparation of a music degree course at proposed
New University of Surrey at Guildford. |
| 1967 |
Redcliffe Concerts open on London, South
Bank., funded by the London Orchestral Concert Board (formed jointly
by the Arts Council and the Greater London Council) . Duo
first performed and broadcast by Maria Lidka, Peter Wallfisch
Dance Suite for Strings first performed by Amici String
Quartet |
| 1968 |
Redcliffe Concert causes a sensation
with the first London concert of
Electronic Music, 15 January |
| 1969 |
Directs course at Dartington Hall, Devon
, for establishing a British Music Centre. Dialogue for
violin and orchestra first performed by Maria Lidka.
First Redcliffe Concerts in association with BBC Radio 3.
Begins writing Contemporary British Music . |
| 1970 |
A Sacred Tetralogy II (Lumen Christi)
first performed by Gillian Weir. Double Concerto for
violin and violoncello commissioned and
performed by Maria Lidka and Christopher Bunting.
Chairs conference (South Bank) on "The patronage and presentation
of contemporary music" |
| 1971 |
Begins teaching at Morley College
A Sacred Tetralogy III (Aeterne Rex Altissime) first performed
and
broadcast by Gillian Weir. |
| 1972 |
Symphony I commissioned by George
Baziotopoulos for Athens State Orchestra. Spring Night
first performed and broadcast by Janet Stickland.
Writes Early English Organ Music.. |
| 1973 |
Samuel Wesley’s Confitebor first
performed at Redcliffe Concert
15 January. |
| 1974 |
Forms Redcliffe Ensemble for performance
of British music. Cello Concerto first performed and
broadcast by Christopher Bunting.
Award by Composers’ Guild of Great Britain, on the 10th
anniversary of Redcliffe Concerts, for "consistent promotion
of twentieth-century British music" .
Member of Artists Now panel, enquiring and reporting into
public funding of the arts. |
| 1975 |
Tour of Germany with Christopher Bunting
Performances include Cello Sonata No.1 and Sonata for
solo cello 1976 Co-Chairman, with Klaus Schulz,of international
seminar held at the
Goethe Institute, London, leading to exchange concerts between UK
and (West) Germany . Mosaics for two violins commissioned
by Klaus Assmann. Oboe Quartet commissioned by Janet
Craxton, London Oboe Quartet. |
| 1977 |
Redcliffe Concerts celebrate the Queen’s
Silver Jubilee with a Gala on 26 September, in the presence of the
Minister for the Arts, Lord Donaldson. Performances include Piano
Concerto I , with Yonty
Solomon, and the first modern performance of Samuel Wesley’s Ode
to St Cecilia.
First Anglo-German exchange concerts arranged by Redcliffe Concerts
in association with WDR, the BBC, the Goethe Institute and the British
Council. |
| 1978 |
On jury of 27th International
Music Competition, Munich |
| 1979 |
Plans Scenes for Orchestra I |
| 1980 |
Fantasy for violin and piano first
performed by Ralph Holmes.
Becomes Editor of Composer, the journal of the Composers’
Guild of Great Britain, retaining the editorship until 1987 when
the magazine was discontinued. |
| 1981/82 |
Idea of a Redcliffe Recordings label
for British composers first put forward (article in Performance
Autumn 1981).
Present at recording in Coventry Cathedral of A Sacred Tetralogy
by Christopher Bowers-Broadbent. Concerto for Ensemble I
performed and broadcast on tour of Hungary by the Redcliffe
Ensemble. |
| 1982/83 |
North Camden Schools Orchestra formed
from schools in the London Borough of Camden, in association with
ILEA. Three concerts promoted by Redcliffe Concerts at South Bank
and Camden Festival. |
| 1984/85 |
Celebration commissioned and toured
by Jeffrey Jacob.
Redcliffe Concerts 21st anniversary (The Tippett Generation).
|
| 1986 |
Tragic Interludes for solo oboe commissioned
and performed by Robin Canter on tour of Greece.
Starts "University Series" of Redcliffe Concerts, with
concerts in Guildford, Wakefield, Oxford. Oboe Concerto
commissioned and toured by L’Orchestre de Picardie,performed
by Bernard Philippe, conducted by Alexandre Myrat.
The abolition of the Greater London Council in March brought about
the closure of the London Orchestral Concert Board. Thus Redcliffe
Concerts lost its financial base on the South Bank. |
| 1987 |
"University Series" Edinburgh
Concerto for Ensemble II performed by Redcliffe Ensemble
|
| 1987/88 |
Plans Four Marian Antiphons for
organ
Constant Lambert’s First Piano Concerto (1924) first performed
at
Redcliffe Concert. |
| 1988/89 |
25th anniversary season of
Redcliffe Concerts includes 50th birthday concert for
Jonathan Harvey. Poème Fantastique first performed
by Jeffrey Jacob |
| 1989/90 |
"University Series" Sheffield
Serenade performed by Redcliffe Ensemble Alma
Redemptoris Mater first performed by David Herman in New York
St Thomas Church, and Washington Cathedral |
| 1991/92 |
Marries (2) Diana Cardell Oliver
Concerto for Ensemble (III) first performed and broadcast
by Redcliffe Ensemble at Sheffield, Edinburgh, Manchester Fantasy
Duo for violin and piano commissioned and performed
by Tasmin Little and Piers Lane. |
| 1993 |
Woefully Arrayed performed at
Dulwich College by Michael Ashcroft Suite for String Orchestra
performed at the Royal Academy of Music. |
| 1994 |
Touraine - Scenes for Piano II
first performed by Piers Lane "Priaulx Rainier Memorial
Concert" presented at the Royal Academy
of Music. Sonata for solo violin first performed by Clio
Gould
Plans Capriccio |
| 1995 |
Clarinet Quintet performed and
recorded by Nicholas Cox |
| 1996 |
On a Deserted Shore performed
and recorded by National Youth Choir of Great Britain,
Eileen Hulse and the Redcliffe Ensemble,
conducted by Michael Brewer. |
| 1997 |
Samuel Wesley’s Missa de Spiritu
Sancto (1784) first published byRedcliffe Edition, first performed
Dublin, St Patrick’s Cathedral, 10 September ,in association with
BBC , RTE. Plans Suite for Tbilisi – Concerto for
Ensemble IV |
| 1998 |
Divertimento for String Quartet
commissioned and recorded by the
Bochmann String Quartet. Angels of Albion – Scenes for Piano
III composed for Jeffrey Jacob |
| 1999 |
Bretagne – Scenes for Piano IV toured
and recorded by Lora Dimitrova Sonata Festiva – Scenes for
Piano V composed for Lora Dimitrova |
| 2000/01 |
Works by Samuel Wesley published for
planned Wesley Festival in Bristol, 2002 – Overture in E, Ave
maris stella, Ode to St Cecilia Angels of Albion toured
and recorded by Lora Dimitrova Andante for piano composed
|
| 2002 |
Agnus Dei Plans A Parish Songbook
Symphonic Variations commissioned by Nicholas
Cox |
| 2003/04 |
Sonata Festiva first performed
by Charles Matthews Symphonic Variations first performed
by Nicholas Cox Rondo Capriccioso for piano composed
Begins Symphony II |
| |
|
Routh’s style evolved slowly. The first works to achieve professional
performance and acceptance were songs. Four Shakespeare Songs
were commissioned by the lieder singer Ilse Wolf for a tour
of Germany in 1963. This collaboration proved very successful
and led to further songs, notably Elegy and Songs of
Farewell , as well as the Yeats settings A woman young
and old, which were first sung by Wolf’s pupil Noelle Barker.
The idiom of these early songs is freely chromatic, the tonality
explicit. In the instrumental and orchestral works which followed
in the 1970s, freedom in the development of the material tended
to lead in one of two directions ; at a fast tempo it led towards
the use of semitones in the melodic and harmonic movement , making
for short sentences and tautness of structure ; at a slow tempo
it led towards the use of whole tones, making for an impressionistic
texture and a more measured rate of harmonic change. This resulted
in a poetic element of free association and fantasy. Whatever
the chosen structure, Routh’s style has always been guided by
a strong sense of harmonic direction and movement. Works of this
time which colourfully display the characteristics in both these
respects are the Cello Concerto and the Double Concerto.
By the late 1970s, with such brilliant works as Mosaics
and the Oboe Quartet, both of which were widely played
in Europe, particularly in Germany, his style had reached a turning
point. The early freedom , and the expressive qualities to which
it gave rise, became more strictly formulated; and the musical
language began to be governed by a mode which took into account
both the trends mentioned. This mode consisted of nothing other
than the whole tone scale, but with the addition of the perfect
fourth. Routh first used this mode as such in the piece for solo
oboe Tragic Interludes of 1982, in which each short section
bases the mode on a different degree of the scale, or tonal centre.
It had been foreshadowed in many works before then, such as the
organ piece Lumen Christi of 1968 ; but its uncompromising
use in Tragic Interludes opened the door to a great wealth
of musical opportunities, which led to such major compositions
as the Oboe Concerto and Celebration for piano.
The acceptance of the discipline implied by the new mode led immediately
to greater extension of its use. Further possibilities appeared,
chiefly of fresh large-scale structures, and the gradual evolution
of a new form of impressionism, based on an extended tonality.
These discoveries bore fruit in some of Routh’s large-scale orchestral
works of the 1980s, notably Scenes for Orchestra I and
Poème Fantastique.
Many of Routh’s compositions were composed with
specific performers in mind, with whom he was in close artistic
rapport. The technical accomplishments of particular artists and
groups have always been important to him. Virtuosity is not merely
something he admires . It is almost something he sees as an integral
part of the musical idea itself. A performance which lacks virtuosity
will be an inadequate realisation of the composer’s musical vision.
The early songs had as their starting point the vocal purity and
expressiveness of Ilse Wolf’s lieder singing. Similarly the instrumental
works which followed, those for violin and cello, which occupied
much of the late 1960s and early 1970s, were inspired by the violin
playing of Maria Lidka, and the cello playing of Christopher Bunting,
representing as they did the school and tradition of Max Rostal
and Pablo Casals respectively.
The piano, which he studied from an early age, has always
been the basis of his composition from the start. Not only does
he compose at the piano, but the instrument has been the source
of many virtuoso works, both for solo piano and concertos. Fresh
musical ideas and the working out of large-scale structures have
often found their first outlet in a work for piano. The artists
who have chiefly inapired him , and with whom he has worked closely,
were in the 1980s the American pianist Jeffrey Jacob, and in the
1990s the Bulgarian pianist Lora Dimitrova. Each combined a stunning
technique with sensitivity, the one in the American, the other
in the Russian tradition. Routh also uses the piano as a part,
and a very individual part, of the orchestral ensemble. Among
the prime examples of this are Spring Night , Scenes for Orchestra
I and Symphony I. If the origin of this concept lies
in the neoclassical aesthetic of Stravinsky, it is to that same
composer also that Routh owes the rhythmic articulation and the
secco style of piano playing which is called for in many
of the ensemble pieces and duos, such as the Diversions for
violin and piano, and the Symphonic Variations in their
clarinet and piano version. In the Concertos for Ensemble
,which he composed in the 1980s and early 1990s as pieces in Divertimento
style for the soloists of the Redcliffe Ensemble, the pianist
is called on for just such a distinctive style of playing. The
piano in fact is the focal instrument of the group, like the continuo
in the baroque period.
Routh’s organ music stands somewhat apart from the rest
of his output. Not only does the instrument itself make special
technical demands on the composer, but the resulting structures
are unlike his other compositions. From the start, ever since
his student days at Kimg’s College, Cambridge, when he first became
acquainted with it, he was fascinated by the organ simply as a
source of sound, rich and varied at each end of the dynamic spectrum,
with a huge range of colour and full of traditional association.
Indeed colour and tradition are the distinguishing features of
his two chief compositions for organ, A Sacred Tetralogy (1959-1974),
four symphonic organ works for the principal seasons of the Church’s
year, and Four Marian Antiphons (1988-1989). He uses plainchant
in organ composition, not elsewhere. He sees the long tradition
of Gregorian plainchant as being appropriate in organ music, and
the composer’s function as being to integrate this into the greatly
enlarged colour and power of the modern organ, and the extended
tonal idiom.
His organ style has two aspects. First, that of chamber
music; the clear, linear texture of a contrapuntal keyboard instrument,
full of vitality, colourful registration, and articulation in
attack. The prototype of this is the Trio Sonata and Chorale Prelude
of the baroque period. Second, that of less direct sonorities,
calling for space and a reverberant acoustic. This is the fuller,
more remote sound associated with the music of the Romantic period
, particularly of the French tradition. Routh mixes both, and
in so doing calls for extreme virtuosity on the part of the performer,
to say nothing of the right instrument in the right building.
|
I WORKS FOR ORCHESTRA
Violin Concerto Op.7 (1965) dur.22 mins.
‘For Yfrah
Neaman’
2.2.2.2 –
4.2.3.0 – timp. perc.(1) - str
Adagio-Allegro
Adagietto Vivace
1st
perf. 29 April 1968 London (Camden Festival)
Yfrah Neaman (vl) New Cantata Orchestra cond.James Stobart
Full score, parts for hire
Piano score, solo part for sale
Dialogue for Violin and Orchestra Op.16 (1968) dur.15 mins.
;‘For Maria
Lidka’
1.2.2.2 –
2.0.0.0 – str
Lento,a
tempo moderato Allegro scherzando – Cadenza – Tempo I
1st
perf. 20 May 1969 London (South Bank)
Maria Lidka
(vl) London Mozart Players cond Harry Blech
Full score,parts for hire
Piano score, solo part for sale
Double Concerto Op.19 (1970) dur.24 mins.
For violin,
violoncello and orchestra
2(=picc.).1.2(=b.cl.).1
– 2.1.0.0. – perc.(1).hp.cel. – str
Allegro moderato Cadenza - Passacaglia
1st perf. 11 May 1970 London (South Bank)
Maria Lidka (vl) Christopher Bunting (vc) London Mozart Players
cond Andrzej Panufnik
Full score, parts for hire
Piano score, solo parts for sale
Spring Night Op.23 (1971)
dur.22
mins.
Concert Aria for mezzo soprano and orchestra
‘For Janet Stickland’
1.2.1.1. – 2.1.1.0. – timp. perc.(2) pf. – str
Poems by Sidney Keyes
Spring Night The lover The crowning
1st perf. 13 March 1972 London (South Bank)
Janet Stickland (m.sop.) London Mozart Players cond Janos
Furst
Full score, parts for hire
Miniature score, vocal score for sale
Symphony I Op.26 (1973) dur. 25 mins.
2(=picc.).2.2.2. – 4.3.3.1. – timp. perc. (3) pf. – str
Allegro energico Adagio Vivace
1st perf. 22 July 1975 Dublin (RTE)
RTE Symphony Orchestra cond Proinnsias O’Duinn
Full score, parts for hire
Miniature score for sale
Cello Concerto Op.27 (1973)
dur.
16 mins.
‘For Christopher Bunting’
0.2.0.0. – 0.1.0.0. – str
Vivace energico Slow (alternating with) Vivace
1st perf. 20 May 1974 London (South Bank)
Christopher Bunting (vc) Belgian Chamber Orchestra
cond Francis Routh
Full score , parts for hire
Piano score, solo part for sale
Piano Concerto I Op.32 (1976) dur. 23 mins.
1.2.0.2. – 2.2.1.0. – timp. – str
Quick Slow Lively
1st perf. 26 September 1977 London (South Bank)
Yonty Solomon (pf) Steinitz Bach Players Paul Steinitz
Full score, parts for hire
Piano score for sale
Scenes for Orchestra I Op.36 (1982) dur. 35 mins.
2(=picc).2.2(=b.cl.).2.c-bsn. – 4.3.3.1. – timp.perc.(2) hp.pf.cel.
– str
Prelude,Fanfare Morning over the city Sunlight and shadow
Festive dance of the redeemed To the evening star
Full score, parts for hire
Oboe Concerto Op.46 (1984) dur. 19 mins
‘To Alexandre Myrat’
‘1.0.1.1 - 2.0.0.0. - str
‘ Moderato – Vivace Slow Vivace
‘1st perf. 11 December 1986 Amiens,France (Maison
de la Culture)
‘ Bernard Philippe (ob.) Le Sinfonietta de Picardie
‘cond Alexandre Myrat
Poème Fantastique for piano and orchestra Op.48 (1988)
dur.30 mins
‘ ‘For Jeffrey Jacob’
‘ 2.2(=cor anglais).2.2.c-bsn. – 4.3.3.1. – timp. ‘
perc.(2) hp. – str
‘ Slow-Vivace Slow Slow-Vivace
‘ 1st perf. 31 January 1989 London (South Bank)
‘ Jeffrey Jacob (pf) London Philharmonic cond Jacek Kasprzyk
‘ ‘‘Full score, parts for hire
‘ Piano score for sale
Ciacona (Romance) Op.51 (1989)
dur. 10 mins.
Transcribed from Op.50/1
i for violoncello and strings
‘For Christopher Bunting’
ii for violin and strings
‘For Michael Bochmann’
Moderato - Allegro moderato
Full scores, parts for hire
Piano scores for sale
Suite for String Orchestra Op.59 (1992) dur. 21 mins.
Vivace energico Intermezzo Pavan Scherzo Finale
1st perf. 11 March 1993 London (Royal Academy of
Music)
RAM String Orchestra cond David Strange
Capriccio Op.62 (1995) dur. 19 mins
2.picc.2.2.b-cl.2. – 4.3.3.1. – timp. perc.(2). pf. - str
Con mote energico Slow, sustained (Nocturne) con brio
Full score , parts for hire
Scenes for Orchestra II Op.65 (2000 - )
2.2.2.2. – 4.3.2.1. – timp. perc.(1) – str
Vivace non troppo
in progress
Symphony II Op.75 (2005) dur.28 mins.
2.2.2.2. – 4.2.2.0. – timp. – str
Allegro con brio Adagio Vivace
in progress
Works without op. number
Cupid and Death (1974)
Suite for orchestra after the Masque (1653) by
Matthew Locke and Christopher Gibbons
2.1.0.0. – 0.0.0.0. – str quartet str orchestra
Sinfonia Saraband Pavan La Volta Galliard Branle
Introduction and Air Introduction and Minuet Hornpipe
1st perf. 2 February 1974 London (South Bank)
Monteverdi Orchestra cond John Eliot Gardiner
Full score, parts for hire
Miniature score for sale
Romanian Dance (1990)
dur. 5mins.
‘For Anda Anastasescu’
0.2.0.0. – 2.0.0.0. – pf – str
Allegro – Presto
1st perf. August/September 1990 Bucharest (Academy
) and tour
Anda Anastasescu (pf) Bucharest Academy Orchestra
Miniature score for sale
See under ‘Piano Duet’
Triumphal March (1955/1997) dur. 7 mins.
2.2.2.2. – 4.3.3.1. – timp. perc.(2) – str
Full score,parts for hire
See under Organ Music (Works without op.no.)
II CHAMBER MUSIC / MUSIC FOR ENSEMBLE
Duo Op.12 (1967) dur.
14 mins.
‘ for violin and piano
‘‘For Maria Lidka’
‘ Lento liberamente (theme) Allegro vivace (var. 1-5)
‘ Berceuse Adagio (var. 6-8) Vivace (var. 9-15) Coda
‘ 1st perf. 3 December 1967 London (South Bank)
‘ Maria Lidka (vl) Francis Routh (pf)
‘Score, part for sale
Dance Suite for String Quartet Op.13 (1967) dur. 15 mins.
‘ ‘For the Amici String Quartet’
‘ Moderato (theme) Piu mosso-presto (var.1-5)
‘ Pavan Lento(var.6-7) Galliard, Trio (var.8-9)
‘ Vivace (var.10-13) Coda (var.14)
‘ 1st perf. 28 November 1968 London (South Bank)
‘ Amici String Quartet
‘ Lionel Bentley, Michael Jones (violins)
‘Christopher Wellington (viola) Peter Halling (violoncello)
‘ ‘Score, parts for sale
Sonata for Solo Violoncello Op.21 (1971)
dur.
11 mins.
‘ ‘For Christopher Bunting’
‘ Andante sostenuto-Allegro Andante espressivo Scherzo,Trio
Vivace
‘1st perf. 10 October 1971 London (BBC Radio 3)
‘Christopher Bunting (vc)
‘ Score for sale
Piano Quartet Op.22 (1971) dur. 15 mins.
‘Allegro moderato-Allegro Adagio Vivace
‘1st perf. 10 October 1971 London (private house-concert)
‘Maria Lidka (vl) Simon Whistler (vla) Vivian Joseph (vc)
‘Francis Routh (pf)
‘
‘
‘Score, parts for sale
Serenade for String Trio Op.24 (1972) dur. 14 mins.
‘ March: Spiritoso Arietta: Andante Scherzo :Vivace
‘ Elegy : Largo Capriccio : Presto
‘ 1st perf. 10 May 1980 Australia (Armidale NSW)
‘New England Ensemble
‘Andrew Lorenz (vl) Robert Harris (vla) Janis Laurs (vc)
‘ ii Elegy (4) transcribed for guitar solo (Op.47/4)
‘iii Elegy (4) transcribed for piano solo (see under
piano music)
‘
‘Score , parts for sale
Sonata for Cello and Piano Op.31 (1975) dur.17 mins.
‘For Christopher’
Quasi recit. Poco vivace Quasi recit. Vivace scherzando
1st perf. 10 November 1975 Germany (Wurzburg, Hochschule)
Christopher Bunting (vc) Francis Routh (pf)
Score , part for sale
Mosaics for two violins Op.33 (1976) dur.14 mins.
‘For Klaus Assmann and Mechthild Boekheler’
Prelude,recitative Marziale Piangevole Moderato
Sotto voce Scherzo, Trio Allegro energico
1st perf. 27 November 1977 London (South Bank)
Klaus Assmann Mechthild Boekheler (vls)
Score for sale
Oboe Quartet Op.34 (1977) dur. 10 mins.
For oboe, violin, viola, violoncello
‘For Janet Craxton’
Allegro moderato – Vivace (var. 1-5) Lento liberamente (var.6-8)
Vivace (var. 9-12) A tempo moderato (coda)
1st perf. 19 October 1977 Germany (Cologne, British
Council)
London Oboe Quartet
Janet Craxton (ob.) Perry Hart (vl) Brian Hawkins (vla)
Charles Tunnell (vc)
Score, parts for sale
Fantasy in one movement Op. 35 (1978) dur. 19 mins.
For violin and piano
Introduction-Moderato-Andante-Vivace scherzando-Andante-Coda
1st perf. 23 Julyt 1980 London (BBC Radio 3)
Ralph Holmes (vl) Susan Bradshaw (pf)
Score, part for sale
Concerto for Ensemble I Op.41 (1981) dur. 22 mins.
For clarinet, guitar, piano, violin, viola, violoncello
Vivace energico Adagio Vivace
1st perf. 28 February 1982 Budapest (Zeneakademia)
and tour
Redcliffe Ensemble
Angela Malsbury (cl) Timothy Walker (gtr) Francis Routh (pf)
Susan Lynn (vl) Garth Knox (vla) Gillian Thoday (vc)
Score, parts for hire
Tragic Interludes for solo oboe Op.43 (1982) dur. 8 mins.
‘For Robin Canter’
Warfare: Vivace Divine refuge: Scherzando Human suffering:
slow
Doubt: Moderato Decision: Moderato Pity :Vivace, grazioso
1st perf. 24 February 1983 London (South Bank)
Robin Canter (ob.)
ii Scored for flute, harp, violin , viola, violoncello
Scores, parts for sale
Concerto for Ensemble II Op.44 (1983) dur. 17 mins.
For clarinet, guitar, piano, violin, viola, violoncello
Vivace Slow Presto
1st perf. 20 November 1985 London (South Bank)
Redcliffe Ensemble
Angela Malsbury (cl.) Timothy Walker (gtr) Francis Routh (pf)
Nicholas Ward (vl) Simon Rawson (vla) Gillian Thoday (vc)
Score, parts for hire
Dance Interludes Op.47 (1985) dur. 9 mins.
For flute and guitar
Moderato Adaio Vivace Elegy:Largo Allegro molto
1st perf. 4 September 1985 Singapore (Australian
HC)
Judith Hall (fl) Timothy Walker (gtr)
Score for sale
Diversions for solo violin Op.49 (1987/1996) dur. 13 mins.
Vivace Andante Lento Vivace
1st perf. (I, II) 22 June 1992 London (St Peter’s,Hammersmith)
(III, IV) 1 December 1996 London (private house-concert)
Michael Bochmann (vl)
ii For violin and piano
1st perf. 27 November 2002 London (South Bank)
Adam Summerhayes (vl) Alan Brown (pf)
Scores for sale
Fantasy Duo Op.54 (1990) dur. 18 mins.
For violin and piano
‘For Tasmin Little and Piers Lane’
At a moderate speed Slow Quick
1st perf. 14 January 1991 London (Wigmore Hall)
Tasmin Little (vl) Piers Lane (pf)
Score, part for sale
Concerto for Ensemble III Op.55 (1991) dur. 16 mins.
For clarinet, horn, piano, violin, viola, violoncello
Vivace energico Andante Larghetto Minuet Vivace energico
1st perf. 17 July 1991 Sheffield (Merlin Theatre)
Redcliffe Ensemble
Nicholas Cox (cl) Peter Francomb (hn) Piers Lane (pf)
Nicholas Ward (vl) Richard Muncey (vla) Gillian Thoday (vc)
Score, parts for hire
Sonata for solo violin Op.58 (1992) dur. 15 mins.
Ar a moderate speed Slow Quick
1st perf. 11 May 1994 London (Royal Academy of
Music)
Clio Gould (vl)
Score for sale
Clarinet Quintet Op.61 (1994) dur.
19 mins.
For clarinet, violin I, violin II, viola, violoncello
‘For Nicholas Cox’
Vivace Slow Vivace,con mote Allegro Presto
1st perf. 7 August 1995 Bristol (St George’s, Brandon
Hill)
Redcliffe Ensemble
Nicholas Cox (cl) Nicholas Ward (vl) Peter Pople (vl)
Ivo-Jan van der Werff (vla) Paul Marleyn (vc)
Score, parts for sale
Divertimento for String Quartet Op.66 (1998) dur. 14 mins.
‘For the Bochmann String Quartet’
Andante moderato-Vivace energico Adagio Allegro molto
1st perf. 27 September 1998 Chipping Norton (The
Theatre)
Bochmann String Quartet
Michael Bochmann, Mark Messenger (vls)
Helen Robarts (vla) Peter Adams (vc)
Score, parts for sale
Suite for Tbilisi (Concerto for Ensemble IV) Op.67 (1977) dur.
20 mins,
For clarinet, trumpet, piano, violin, viola, violoncello
Vivace Slow Allegro molto Intermezzo Presto
1st perf. October 1997 Georgia (Tbilisi Festival)
Redcliffe Ensemble Performance cancelled
Score parts for hire
Sonata No.2 for Cello and Piano Op.69 (1999) dur. 14 mins.
‘For Maria Wiesmaier’
Vivace Andante Vivace non troppo
1st perf. May 2000 Berlin (Humboldt University)
and tour
Maria Wiesmaier (vc) Timothy Carey (pf)
Score, part for sale
Symphonic Variations Op.73 (2003) dur. 14 mins.
For clarinet and piano
‘For Nicholas Cox’
I Andante (theme,var.1) Vivace (var.2-10) Andante (var.11)
III Adagio (var.12-13)
IV Alla Marcia (var.14) Giocoso (var.15-25)
1st perf. 20 November 2003 Liverpool (Philharmonic
Hall)
Nicholas Cox (cl) Ian Buckle (pf)
Score , part for sale
III VOCAL AND CHORAL WORKS
Balulalow Op.1 (1955) dur. 3 mins.
For choir SATB unaccompanied
Words by Wedderburn (16th century)
1st perf. Christmas 1955 London (Christ Church,
Kensington)
Score for sale
A Woman Young and Old Op.4 (1962) dur. 15 mins.
For high voice and piano
Poems by W.B.Yeats
Father and child Before the world was made For Anne Gregory
The fool by the roadside Her triumph Meeting From‘TheAntigone’
1st perf. 12 October 1962 London (Leighton House,
Kensington)
Noelle Barker (sop) Colin Tilney (pf)
Score for sale
Four Shakespeare Songs Op.5 (1963) dur. 13 mins.
For high voice and piano
‘For Ilse Wolf’
Orpheus with his lute (from King Henry VIII)
How should I your true love know (from Hamlet)
Sigh no more, ladies ( from Much ado about nothing
)
Blow, blow thou winter wind (from As you like it
)
1st perf. 12 November 1963 Germany (Cologne, British
Council)
Elegy Op.6 (1964) dur. 9 mins.
For high voice, violin, piano
Poems St John of the Cross, tr. Roy Campbell
Recitative - Upon a gloomy night
Passacaglia - Upon that lucky night
Andante quasi Adagio - Within my flowering breast
1st perf. 1 October 1968 Nottingham University
Ilse Wolf (sop) Yfrah Neaman (vl) Martin Isepp (pf)
Score, parts for sale
Songs of Farewell Op.8 (1965) dur. 13 mins.
For high voice and piano
‘In memoriam Benjamin 24.ix.59 - 13.viii.60 ‘
The Spring (Kathleen Raine) Glycine’s Song (S.T.Coleridge)
Comfort to a youth that had lost his love (Robert Herrick)
A baby’s epitaph (Algernon Charles Swinburne)
A farewell (George Gascoigne)
1st perf. 7 May 1965 London (Arts Council)
Ilse Wolf (sop) Paul Hamburger (pf)
Score for sale
Songs of Lawrence Durrell Op.10 (1966) dur. 13 mins.
For high voice and piano
This unimportant morning Water music Nemea Lesbos Echo
1st perf. 16 May 1966 London (Arts Council)
Noelle Barker (sop) Robert Sherlaw Johnson (pf)
Score for sale
Ode to the Evening Star Op.11 (1967)
dur.
4 mins.
For choir SSAATTBB unaccompanied
Poem by William Blake
1st perf. 28 April 1967 London (Arts Council)
Vaughan Williams Singers cond Francis Routh
Score for sale
Circles Op.18 (1969) dur. 17 mins
A Vocal Divertimento
For high voice, clarinet, viola, piano
Words by Stephen Tunnicliffe
Introduction - A spinning top Interlude I – The pebble
in the pond Interlude II - The dance
1st perf. April 1970 Dartington College and tour
Audrey Attwood (sop)
Score, parts for hire
The Death of Iphigenia Op.25 (1972) dur. 15 mins.
Words from Aeschylus’ Agamemnon tr. Gilbert Murray
i For mezzo soprano and piano
‘For Janet Stickland’
1st perf. 14 March 1973 London (Wigmore Hall)
Janet Stickland (m.sop) Paul Hamburger (pf)
ii For soprano and thirteen instruments
flute (=picc),oboe, clarinet, horn, trumpet, trombone, percussion
(1)
harp, piano, violin, viola, violoncello, bass
1st perf. 13 December 1978 London (South Bank)
Jane Manning (sop) Redcliffe Ensemble cond Edwin Roxburgh
Score, parts for hire
On a Deserted Shore Op.30 (1975) dur. 36 mins.
From a sequence of poems by Kathleen Raine
For soprano solo, semi-chorus (m-s. t.b.), double choir SSAATTBB
Two pianos, percussion (3)
1st perf. 8 December 1975 London (South Bank)
Felicity Lott (sop) Caroline Friend (m.sop) Philip Langridge
(tenor)
Christopher keyte (bar) BBC Singers Redcliffe Ensemble
John Constable, Roger Vignoles (pf) cond John Poole
Score for sale
Score, parts for hire
Vocalise Op.38 (1979) dur. 15 mins.
For soprano, clarinet, piano, violin, violoncello
Moderate Lively Slow Fast Moderate Lively
1st perf. 12 July 1979 London (St Bartholomew’s
Festival)
Jane Gregson (sop) Redcliffe Ensemble
Score, parts for hire
Songs of Sir Walter Scott Op.39 (1980) dur. 12 mins.
For baritone and piano
Norman’s song on the night before battle
Funeral song on the death of Duncan Soldier’s song Song
1st perf. 22 October 1981 London (South Bank)
Andrew Knight (bar) Ian Warson (pf)
Score for sale
Songs of Dachine Rainer Op.40 (1980) dur. 8 mins.
For high voice and piano
‘For Deborah Cook’
Older Hymn to winter Night music
1st perf. 27 January 1981 London (Wigmore Hall)
Deborah Cook (sop) Jonathan Hinden (pf)
Love’s Fool Op.40a (1980/83) dur. 10 mins
Older (Dachine Rainer) The fool by the roadside
(W.B.Yeats)
Du, meine welt (Dachine Rainer)
i For soprano, flute, guitar
1st perf. 27 May 1981 Berlin (British Centre)
Edith Urbanczyk (sop) Marianne Koch-Hoffer (fl) Rolf Kaiser
(gtr)
ii For soprano, flute, piano
1st perf. 24 October 1983 London (South Bank)
Japan Music Pool
Takako Selby-Okamato (sop) Lyn McLarin (fl)
Keiko Tokunaga (pf)
Scores (both versions), parts for sale
Woefully Arrayed Op.52 (1990) dur. 27 mins.
Poem by John Skelton (1460-1529)
‘For Michael Ashcroft’
For soprano, baritone soli, choir SATB, boys’ choir a2
Orchestra 2.2.2.2. – 2.2.1.0. –timp. perc.(1) pf. – str
1st perf. 17 January 1993 London (Dulwich College)
Mari Williams (sop) David Crown (bar) Vasari Singers
Boys’ choir, orchestra of Dulwich College cond Michael Ashcroft
Full score, parts for hire
Vocal score for sale
Ripeness is all Op.53 (1990) dur. 20 mins.
For tenor and piano
‘For George Shirley’
Poems by Dachine Rainer
Birthday Sonnet January thaw Epithalamium Season
Spears and Fiddleheads Encounter August Here summer ends
Sonnet on the descent from heaven Death
Composed for first performance in August 1994 at Aspen, Colorado
George Shirley (tenor) Ann Schein (pf) Performance cancelled
Score for sale
Three Shakespeare Songs Op.57 (1992) dur. 9 mins.
For medium voice and piano
‘For Sverrier Gudjonsson’
Under the greenwood tree ( from As you like it )
Fear no more the heat o’ the sun (from Cymbeline
)
When that I was and a little tiny boy ( from Twelfth
Night )
1st perf. 6 February 1994 Reykjavik, Iceland (Opera
Hall)
Sverrier Gudjonsson (c-tenor) Jonas Ingimundarson (pf)
Score for sale ( with Shakespeare Songs Op.5)
Cantate Domino Op.60 (1993) dur. 7 mins.
For soprano, clarinet and strings
1st perf. 26 June 1994 London (St Peter’s , Hammersmith)
Mari Williams (sop) Anthony Lamb (cl) Festival Orchestra
cond Andrew Wells
Full score, parts for hire
Vocal score for sale
Agnus Dei Op.72 (2002) dur. 3 mins.
For choir SATB and organ
Words from the Mass
1st perf. 4 August 2002 London (St Peter’s , Hammersmith
)
Score for sale
Works without op. number
First performed at St Philip’s Church, Earlsa Court Road London W8 1961/72
Festival Anthem for Ascension (1961) dur. 7 mins.
For double choir SSAATTBB , organ
Words Phil.II, 5-11
In the year that King Uzziah died (1963) dur. 3 mins.
For soprano solo, choir SATB , organ
Words Isaiah VI , 1-3
O clap your hands (1967) dur. 4 mins.
For choir SATB, organ
Words Psalm XLVII , 1-4
Wherewith shall I come before the Lord (1967) dur. 4 mins.
For contralto solo, choir SATB, organ
Words Micah VI, 6-8
‘For the Fountain Street Church Choir, Grand Rapids, Michigan
cond Beverly R.Howerton
We will be merry far and wide (1969) dur. 3 mins
Easter Carol for choir SATB ,organ
Words trad.
Three Christmas Carols dur. 3mins.
A Babe is born (1963) SATB, organ, Words trad.14th
century
‘For the Bach Choir cond David Willcocks’
Make we joy now in this fest (1972) SATB,organ, Words trad
Love came down at Christmas (1972) SATB, Words Christina Rossetti
Three Introits dur. 2 mins.
The Children of the Hebrews (1972) SATB, organ Words trad.
Praise the Lord in his sanctuary (1992) SATB, organ Psalm
CL
You are Peter (1992) SATB ,organ Words Matthew XII,18
At the round earth’s imagined corners (1978) dur. 4 mins.
For choir S M-S ATB unaccompanied
Words John Donne
‘For the North Hertfordshire Guild of Singers’
cond John Railton
Score for sale
Two Cautionary Tales (1990)
Dur.
5 mins.
For medium voice and guitar
Words by Rhoda Levine
Tom Cats Barn Dance
IV KEYBOARD WORKS
i organ Music
Fantasia I
Op.2 (1959) dur. 13 mins.
Allegro con brio - Andante molto espressivo -
A tempo maestoso con fuoco – Adagio piacevole – Allegro vivace
1st perf. 10 October 1958 London (St Luke’s Church,
SW 10)
Francis Routh (org.)
Score for sale
Sonatina
Op.9 (1965) dur. 13 mins.
Poco maestoso Andante sostenuto Allegro marziale
1st perf. 8 December 1965 London (St Philip’s Church
, W8)
Nicholas Danby (org.)
Score for sale
Fantasia II
Op.14 (1967) dur. 15 mins.
‘For Christopher Bowers-Broadbent’
Prelude Aria Chorale
1st perf. June 1971 St Albans (International Organ
Festival)
Christopher Bowers-Broadbent (org.)
Score for sale
A Sacred Tetralogy I - The Manger Throne Op.3 (1959) dur.21 mins.
Mystery : Lento espressivo – piu mosso
Peace : Con moto tranquillo
Joy :
Allegro jubilante
1st perf. 28 May 1960 London (Holy Trinity, Brompton)
Francis Routh (org.)
Score for sale
A Sacred Tetralogy II - Lumen Christi Op.15 (1968) dur. 25 mins.
‘For Gillian Weir’
Vivace energico e con brio – Lento espressivo – Vivace
assai
Agnus Dei : Molto moderato
Allegro
vivace
1st perf. 18 January 1970 London (South Bank)
Gillian Weir (org.)
Score for sale
A Sacred Tetralogy III - Aeterne Rex Altissime Op.20 (1970) dur.22
mins. ‘For Gillian Weir’
Alla breve –Allegro- Vivace Lento liberamente-Andante espressivo
Andante - Vivace con brio
1st perf. 6 June 1971 London (South Bank)
Gillian Weir (org.)
Score for sale
A Sacred Tetralogy IV – Gloria Tibi Trinitas Op.29 (1974) dur.
17 mins.
‘For Christopher Bowers-Broadbent’
Senza misura - Allegro poco vivace
Lento espressivo Vivace, senza misura
1st perf. 9 June 1974 London (South Bank)
Christopher Bowers-Broadbent (org.) Score for sale
Four Marian Antiphons Op.50 (1988/98)
I Alma Redemptoris Mater dur. 12 mins.
‘For David Herman’
1st perf. 20 May 1990 New York (St Thomas, Fifth
Avenue)
David Herman (org.)
Score for sale
II Ave Regina Coelorum dur. 8 mins.
‘For Christopher Bowers-Broadbent’
1st perf. 9 November 1998 Coventry Cathedral
Christopher Bowers-Broadbent (org.)
Score for sale
III Regina Coeli Laetare dur. 8 mins.
‘For Gillian Ward Russell’
1st perf. 18 February 1995 Brasted, Kent (St Martin’s
Church)
Gillian Ward Russell (org.)
Score for sale
IV Salve Regina dur. 5 mins.
‘For Gillian Ward Russell’
1st perf. 6 November 1988 London (St Cyprian’s,
Clarence Gate)
Gillian Ward Russell (org.)
Score for sale
Score for sale i-iv together
Exultet Coelum Laudibus Op.63 (1994) dur.14 mins.
‘For David Herman’
Moderate Slow Lively
1st perf. 11 February 1996 New York (St Thomas,
Fifth Avenue)
David Herman (org.)
Score for sale
Works without op.no.
An English Organ Book (1972 - )
Aeterne Rex Altissime
Ascension
(1981)
Agnus Dei
General (2002)
Chorus Novae Jerusalem
Easter
(1987)
Christe qui lex es et dies
Lent
(1993)
Christe Redemptor omnium
Christmas (1981)
Quelle est cette odeur agreable Christmas (1963)
Rorate coeli
Advent
(1987)
Triumphal March (1955/97)
dur.
7 mins.
‘For Peter and Griselda Barton’ (Wedding March)
1st perf. 16 July 1955 London (Christ Church,
Kensington)
Francis Routh (org.)
See under Works for Orchestra
Scores for sale, parts for hire
ii Piano Music
Little Suite Op.28 (1974) dur. 12 mins.
Prelude March Pas d’action Waltz Pas de deux Serenade
Dance of the shadows The piano lesson Postlude March
1st perf. 27 March 1974
London
(South Bank)
Francis Routh (pf)
Score for sale
Ballade Op.42 (1982) dur. 9 mins
Slow Lively Slow Lively
Score for sale
Celebration
Op.45 (1984) dur. 14 mins.
‘For Jeffrey Jacob’
Allegro - Andante - Vivace
1st perf. 27 September 1984
London
(South Bank)
Jeffrey Jacob (pf)
Score for sale
Elegy
no op. no. (1986) dur. 7 mins.
‘In memoriam Benjamin 24.ix.59 – 13.viii.60’
Transcribed from Op.24/4 (1972)
Largo
1st perf. 20 May 1986 Prague (Conservatoire)
Jeffrey Jacob (pf)
see under Piano Duet
Score for sale
Scenes for Piano I Op.37 (1979) dur. 18mins.
‘For R.M.R.’
To Morning (William Blake) To the Evening Star (William
Blake)
Holy Thursday (William Blake) The Lover (Sidney
Keyes)
Spring Night (Sidney Keyes) The island city (Sidney
Keyes)
1st perf. (IV-VI) 14 April 1991 Sheffield (Merlin
Theatre)
Michael Routh (pf)
Score for sale
Scenes for Piano II - Touraine Op.56 (1993) dur. 19 mins.
‘For Piers Lane’
Quick, agitated Moderate,with solemnity Presto scorrevole
Slow, tempestuous
Vivace
energico
1st perf. 17 April 1994 London (Wigmore Hall)
Piers Lane (pf)
Score for sale
Scenes for Piano III - Angels of Albion Op.64 (1995) dur.21 mins.
‘For Jeffrey Jacob’
Prelude : Allegro energico Aubade To the Evening Star
Night Music Berceuse: Andante - Marziale - Andante
1st perf. 3 November 2000 Leicester (University)
Lora Dimitrova (pf)
Score for sale
Scenes for Piano IV - Bretagne Op.68 (1998) dur. 25 mins.
‘For Lora Dimitrova’
Theme, Andante L’anse de Paimpol, à l’aube Côte
d’Emeraude
Jour de marché Sillon de Talbert, à la tombée
du jour
Cortège folklorique à Carnac Les pierres sonnantes
Château du Guildo, le soir Jour de Fête celte
à Lorient
1st perf. 14 May 1999 Hatchlands Park, Surrey
Lora Dimitrova (pf)
Score for sale
Scenes for Piano V - Sonata Festiva Op.70 (1999) dur. 18 mins.
‘For Lora Dimitrova’
Vivace con fuoco Intermezzo – Adagio Presto festivo
1st perf. 9 August 2003 Mere, Wiltshire (Church
of St Michael)
Charles Matthews (pf)
Score for sale
Andante for piano
Op.71
(2001) dur.13 mins.
Solo piano version of Op.65/2
Rondo capriccioso for piano Op.74 (2003) dur. 9 mins.
Prestissimo
Solo piano version of Op.65/3
Piano Duet
Romanian Dance no op. no (1990)
dur.
5 mins.
1st perf. 14 April 1991 Sheffield (Merlin Theatre)
Michael Routh, Francis Routh (pf duet)
See under Works for Orchestra (Works without op.no.)
Score for sale (Romanian Dance, Elegy together)
Elegy
no op. no. (2001) dur. 5 mins.
1st perf. 20 June 2001 London (Bedford Park Fe
Patrick Arning, Francis Routh (pf duet)
Score for sale (Romanian Dance, Elegy together)
V Chronological
list of works with year of completion
VI Redcliffe Recordings
Catalogue
VII Works by Samuel Wesley
|