Reflections On A 16th Century Tune

In the midst of thy temple

This six-minute anthem by Matthew Martin was commissioned by the Dean and Chapter of Westminster for a service held on 15th October 2019 to mark the 750th anniversary of the dedication of the Abbey Church of Henry III and firstperformed by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by James O’Donnell with Peter Holder (organ). The piece sets Latin and English text the Angularis fundamentum (Christ is the sure foundation) (Anon 7th century), translatedby. John Mason Neale (1818 1866) / Joseph Armitage Robinson (1858 1933), Dean of Westminster 1902 11. The work is scored for mixed choir with divisi, and the organ part is typical of Martin’s inimitable style.

Piano Works

This collection of 15 pieces, transcribed and edited by the Howells scholar Jonathan Clinch and published for the first time to coincide with Matthew Schellhorn’s recording of the complete piano music by Howells for Naxos, reveals a previously neglected aspect of this celebrated English composer. The pieces chart the musical development of Howells, from his earliest known work The Arab’s Song, written when he was 16, to the Petrus Suite, completed in his 80s, as well as demonstrating his fascination with French music (Phantasy, Harlequin Dreaming) and the Tudor period (Pavane and Galliard). The volume also includes the moving tribute to his friend and fellow composer Finzi: his rest. Comprising a wide array of pieces from characterful miniatures to more substantial suites, the collection will appeal to Howells devotees and lovers of 20th century English music, as well to as anyone seeking fresh and distinctive piano repertoire.