Organ Sound Colours - Volume 1

A versatile collection of 12 contrasting pieces, some original compositions, and some based on well-known hymn tunes, varying in difficulty and style, which are suitable for all occasions. The level of difficulty ranges between approx. grade 4 - grade 7+.

“Really well-crafted and satisfying to play and enjoy – a very worthwhile addition to an organist’s collection.”
Jonathan Kingston

Contents:
Trumpet Tune in G - MP3
Postlude on “Forty Days & Forty Nights” - MP3
Processional
Prelude on ‘There is a Green Hill Far Away” - MP3
Dance on B.A.C.H. -MP3
Prelude on “Drop, Drop Slow Tears” -MP3
Postlude on “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today”
Improvisation
Scherzo
Intermezzo - MP3
Postlude on “Thine Be The Glory”
Sortie in Bb.

This is the first book in the new ‘Sound Colour Series,’ which seeks to explore tonal variety, contrasting compositional styles and a wide range of Ian Higginson’s instrumental and vocal music.

REVIEWS

The young organist, having successfully accomplished Rinck's first three months (a not inconsiderable achievement in itself) may well wish to explore this eminently practical and highly attractive set of twelve original pieces by Ian Higginson – 'all occasions' are certainly covered in this fascinating and original set of short studies. Such is the author's natural musicianship and command of his instrument that one may defy any organist, on opening the volume, not to wish to play one or more of the pieces immediately – such are their inherent individual qualities.

"The presentation is excellent and this practical publication is strongly recommended – one or more could well form short recital 'encores'.

"Although some very well-known melodies are used for the basis of individual pieces in this collection, I found the most fascinating and compelling piece to be Higginson's original 'Improvisation' – but it requires a finished technique from the performer - Robert Matthew-Walker, in The Organ, September 2020

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"There is much that is attractive - catchy even - in this unashamedly tonal music. That Ian Higginson is an organist is obvious since these pieces fit well under the hands and feet, but (caveat emptor!) the standard is largely around Grade 7+.

"'Trumpet Tune' sets the standard in terms of craftsmanship and appeal. Though in G major rather than the usual D, it is typical of its genre. The central section is in Eb which, while hardly revolutionary, comes as a (not unpleasant) surprise. Many of the pieces are suitable as final voluntaries: 'Postlude on "40 Days & 40 Nights"', 'Processional', 'Postlude on "Jesus Christ is Risen Today"', 'Improvisation', and 'Postlude on "Thine be the Glory"'. They are characterised by vigorous rhythms, effective contrasts and a colourful harmonic vocabulary with an abundance of diatonic dissonances (7ths, 9ths) and occasional false relations. Each final chord includes a 6th or 9th in the manuals and a quint in the pedals. I suspect Dr Higginson's compositional process may involve improvisation and therefore the title of the 'Improvisation' seems ironic given the un-improvisatory nature of this rather grand march. The quieter pieces ('Prelude on "There is a Green Hill"', 'Prelude on "Drop, drop slow tears"') are easier than the louder numbers and could prove useful before a service. The two remaining compositions, 'Dance on B.A.C.H.' and 'Scherzo', are perhaps better suited to concert use. They are tricky little devils!

"I am glad to have made the acquaintance of this music and look forward to seeing what future volumes contain." - Chris Maxim, in Organists' Review, December 2020

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