Organ music by Christopher Rathbone

op 3	Diptych (sostenuto, allegro pomposo) 1965 This was my first attempt at writing organ music and was performed in Big School at Whitgift in my last term as a pupil, in Autumn 1965. There are two movements, one slow and gloomy and one fast and tuneful.
op 20	October Music 1969 (recorded on Wealden LP WS206) This piece was an attempt to develop a large-scale form by contrasting static music with 'dynamic' music, and was composed at Cambridge in October 1969 as part of my MusB portfolio. It was recorded on an LP made at Marlborough College in 1978. 1st performance St Catharine's College Chapel Cambridge 26th January 1970. New revised version March 2003, typeset 16/18th August 2022, for performance on October 7th 2022.
op 26	Paean 1972 This short but eventful and exultant piece was recorded on the organ of Leeds Parish Church on the Amphion CD PH1 505 This piece was composed in 1972 for the wedding of the composer's younger sister, and was typeset in 2016 by the composer. (Pub. Typeset)
op 39	Miniature Suite 1981 There are three brief movements: minute march, blue chorale, fanfare and epilogue (recorded on Amphion CD PHI 505). This was a commission from the Calne Festival for a recital, for which a 5 minute piece was requested - the Suite lasts for 6 minutes! Minute march Blue chorale Fanfare and Epilogue
op 43	Fantasia on the Old Bath Road This is a brief 'jeu d'esprit' in the form of an introduction, a statement of the theme (John Ivimey's school song, 'The Old Bath Road') and a variation, rounded off by a coda. It was performed at end-of-term services at Marlborough for many years, and was even orchestrated for concert performance. The organ original was later performed in Leeds Town Hall and recorded (live) in Leeds Parish Church in February 2000. The fantasia dates from around 1975, orchestrated in 1982. Also recorded for a private CD by Stewart Smith at a recital by the composer on 4.ii.22 at St Margaret's Ilkley.
op 51a	King Lear Fantasy 1990 This extended fantasia was derived from the music for Robert Avery's last production at Marlborough College, for which Christopher had devised and played music largely of clusters, fanfares and flourishes for the organ. A moment of relief is the gentle music of grief for the death of Cordelia. The fantasia has reworked versions of most of the theatre cues worked into a 13 minute continuous sequence.
op 54a	Chaconne from violin sonata arranged for solo organ This is a useful arrangement for organ of the slow movement of the violin sonata op 54.
op 64	Sonatina (Sonata no 1) 1998 This work can be regarded as the 1st Sonata (there is a second, op 106), and it consists of 4 movements: prelude (march tempo), adagio, scherzo (allegro), passacaglia (andante). It was written as a 50th birthday present for Isobel Rathbone. It was recorded im 2000 by the composer for Amphion on the organ of Leeds Parish Church. Newly typeset in 2016 for performances at Ilkley and Bathwick in March and April 2016. (Pub. Typeset) Prelude Andante Scherzo Passacaglia
op 71	Toccata on 'Puer Nobis' 1998 This exciting Toccata is based on the familiar Christmas hymn 'Unto us a boy is born' (heard on the pedal) and was composed a week before the 1998 carol service at Holy Trinity Meanwood where it was played by Peter Gunstone, who later also performed it at the RNCM in Manchester. The composer recorded it live in recital at Leeds Parish Church on Amphion CD PHI CD 503. E-mail the composer for a pdf of the typeset score. (Pub. Typeset)
op 77	Stations of the Cross This is a suite of 18 short pieces, dedicated to Rev. Richard Wiggen (former Vicar of Meanwood) which can be used liturgically as interludes between meditations on the Stations, or may be played as a half-hour concert suite, with or without suitable readings to introduce each short movement. The 14 stations, plus an extra one, are followed by an interlude (the Harrowing of Hell) and a triumphant explosion of fanfares to represent Easter; the epilogue is a quiet reflection on what we have been through: prologue; 15 stations; harrowing of hell, resurrection/Easter alleluias/epilogue. This has been recorded at Leeds Parish Church by the composer on Amphion CD PHI CD 503. In addition there are private CD recordings of live performances in Ilkley and Bradford Cathedral (CBR) and in Leeds Town Hall (Simon Lindley, with readings by the composer). The music is now available in a typeset edition by the composer as a pdf, by return of e-mail. (Pub. Typeset) Introduction Jesus is condemned to death Jesus receives the cross Jesus falls Jesus meets his mother Simon of Cyrene Veronica Jesus falls (2nd) Women of Jerusalem Jesus falls (3rd) Jesus is stripped Nailed to the cross Jesus dies Jesus is taken down Laid in the sepulchre Vigil: the harrowing of Hell Resurrection
op 80	Scenes and Antiphons 2000 This is an attractive organ suite for the Advent/Christmas/Epiphany season, a series of 8 antiphons and 8 “pictures” lasting about half an hour, a poor man's 'La Nativite du Seigneur', if you like. The premiere performance was given by Simon Lindley at Leeds Town Hall in November 2000, and the second a few days later in the McEwen Hall at Edinburgh University by the composer. It was recorded by the composer at Holy Trinity Meanwood on Amphion CD PHI 504. Now typeset by the composer and available as a pdf by return of e-mail. (Pub. Typeset) O Sapientia A voice crying in the wilderness O Adonai Annunciation O radix Jesse Shepherds go to the stable O clavis David Angels O oriens The Word made flesh O Rex gentium Magi O Emmanuel Herod and the Holy Innocents The peace O Virgo virginum
op 83	Meanwood Suite 2001 The 4 movements of this suite are entitled Grands choeurs (maestoso e libero); Scherzetto (allegretto); Plaint (andante); Trumpet tune/chorale prelude on ”Nicaea”. It was written in 2001 for the re-opening recital on the enlarged organ of Meanwood Holy Trinity, given by Dr Simon Lindley. It was performed by the composer at St Margaret's Ilkley in a recital on August 6th 2021 (and recorded by Stewart Smith for a private CD.) The suite has been typeset; a pdf of the Sibelius file is available by return of e-mail. (Pub. Typeset)
op 86a	'Tree' arranged for solo organ This is a simple, useful arrangement of the work for 2 violins with organ accompaniment.
op 91	City of God - jazz variations on the hymn tune 'Richmond' 20 There are 12 variations (recorded on Amphion CD PHI CD504) all inspired by various styles of Jazz.This piece has been recently performed at Bradford Cathedral and at Pembroke College Cambridge by Anthony Gray. It is available in Type-set form from the composer.It was recorded on an Amphion CD by the composer at Holy Trinity Meanwood. (Pub. Typeset) Moderato Vivace Allegro moderato Blues Ragtime Charleston Tango Dixieland Gently swaying Adagio Fast
op 92a	2 pieces from Requiem arranged for solo organ Two movements from the Requiem op 92 have been arranged for organ solo, the opening Requiem aeternam and the Lux aeterna.
op 95	Variations on 'Dundee' 2003 There are 12 variations, mostly brief, some jazzy, with three more extended 'homage' movements inspired by Bach, Messiaen and Peeters. (recorded on Amphion CD PHI 505). Now type-set and available from the composer as a pdf file. (Pub. Typeset)
op 96	Variations on 'Virgin-born we bow before Thee' 2003 There are 12 variations based on the beautiful French psalm tune (recorded on Amphion CD PHI 505). The music is published by BJM. (Pub. BJM)
op 102	Variations on 'Angel voices' 2004/5 This is a mammoth piece(20 variations, lasting nearly half an hour) which has been performed a few times by the composer, and has also been taken up by at least one other organist! A judicious choice of, say, 10 minutes worth is recommended. The choice is yours... A selection is recorded on a private CD live recording. The entire set was recorded by Stewart Smith in recital at St Margaret's Ilkley on 3.vi.22.
op 106	Sonata no 2 2006 This is a large-scale sonata in three contrasting movements, lasting 15 minutes. It has been performed by the composer in many venues including Bradford Cathedral. There are two private CD recordings of performances in Meanwood PC and St Margaret's Ilkley. It has now been type-set by Philip Rayner. A performance from 2021 by Prof. Graham Barber can be heard on the video from St Bartholomew's Armley on the Home page (Pub. Typeset)
op 107	7 short pieces 2006 These 7 short pieces are easy to moderate, unpretentious! 1. Processional 2. Sad scherzo (in 5/8) 3. Tempo di menuetto 4. Andante 5. Scherzetto orribile 6. Adagio (meditation) 7. Toccata A CD was privately produced of the first complete concert performance at Ilkley in February 2014. The pieces are now available in type-set form (pdf file) from the composer. (Pub. Typeset)
op 109	A baker's dozen of hymn-tune pieces for organ 2007 - 8 A cornucopia of preludes, postludes and variations: Preludes on 'Lasst uns erfreuen'; Helmsley; Passion Chorale; 'A Virgin Unspotted'; Fulda; Gibbons's Song 1; Southwell Postludes on Vulpius; Come Holy Ghost; 'Iste Confessor'; St Denio Variations on 'Was Lebet'; Redhead no 46 The piece included on the 'God is gone up' CD is the variations on 'Was lebet', the familiar tune to the Advent hymn 'O worship the Lord'. This is a useful and very varied set of hymn-tune inspired pieces which should be at every organists elbow! All of the pieces have been recorded on private CDs of live concert performances at Ilkley and Bradford Cathedral, including the two extended variation sets. All are available in type-set form from the composer. (Pub. Typeset) Variations on 'Was lebet'
op 110	Adagio and allegro for organ duet 2008 This is a short duet dedicated to Stephen Power and frequently performed by him with the composer in their duet recitals.The first performance was given in Bradford Cathedral in October 2008. This is now available as a type-set pdf from the composer at rathbone.c@btinternet.com (Pub. Typeset)
op 113	Southwell Suite 2009 Five movements based on H.S.Irons's hymn tune 'Southwell', composed to celebrate Paul Hale's 20 years as rector chori and first performed by him in Southwell Minster on 3.v.10.Since then it has been heard in Bradford Cathedral, Llandaff Cathedral, Winchester Cathedral, Rochdale Town Hall and at the dedication of the new organ in St Peter's Nottingham (Paul Hale) and in St Giles's Cathedral, Edinburgh and elsewhere (CBR). It was type-set (not quite complete) by Stephen Power; the composer has made a revised version now available on a pdf file, in preparation for his performance at Halifax Minster in August 2016. It was recorded at Southwell Minster by Paul Hale for OxRecs in 2013 (OXCD-120) The disc 'Southwell Splendour' was reviewed in the Organists Review, the Gramophone and Cathedral Music. Malcolm Riley in 'Gramophone' comments that the 'melody undergoes an exhaustively (though entertainingly) wide range of treatments and transformations, before rounding off the disc with (a) rousing Toccata'. Tim Rogerson in 'Cathedral Music' also refers to the 'exciting toccata'. (Pub. Typeset)
op 128	Prelude and fugue 2013 A 7 minute solo organ piece in a traditional form! First played in a service in August 2013, then in recital on 4.ix.13 at the Predigerkirche in Erfurt and on 6.ix.13 at St Margaret's. There is a private CD recording of the last of these, as well as of a more recent performance on 4.ix.15 and another in Bradford Cathedral in March 2016. The composer has published the piece in typeset form, available in electronic form. The recording on the 'God is gone up' CD was the one from 2015. (Pub. Typeset)
op 131	A Wantage Suite for solo organ 2014 This suite is dedicated to the Community of St Mary the Virgin at Wantage. There are three movements, all related to the community, and the sad necessity for moving in the near future, as their wonderful Victorian buildings are too large for the remaining numbers of Sisters. The Elegy expresses this sadness. The fugue uses a subject derived from the musical letters 'CSMV Wantage'. The Prelude includes in the pedal the plainsong hymn 'Thee we adore'. The final Rhapsody uses the ancient hymn tunes: The Old 104th and Iste Confessor, and ending with a simple setting of the Salve Regina which Isobel and I enjoyed singing with the Sisters during the Octave of St Mary in August 2014. First performed at St Margaret's (and recorded by Stewart Smith) at the Advent recital on 5.xii.14. 1. Prelude and fugue 2. Elegy 3. Rhapsody on three ancient hymns (Pub. Typeset)
op 135	Passacaglia and fugue 2016 This is a major organ piece of about 10 minutes duration, composed over the last few months of 2016. The theme of both sections is the same: a 12-note theme gravitating around C major. The first performance was on Friday February 3rd 2017, 12.30 pm, at St Margaret's Ilkley. (Pub. Typeset)
op 136	Fantasia for a dancing queen 2017 This short piece was originally improvised at the funeral of Gillie Normington in March 2017, and written down in a fully worked out version in early April, and played (as an encore) at the monthly organ recital at St Margaret's on 7.iv.17. It acknowledges a debt to ABBA and is dedicated to the memory of Gillie. (Pub. Typeset)
op 137	Two chorale preludes for the Orgelbuchlein Project These two little preludes are my submission to the Orgelbüchlein project to complete Bach's projected but unfinished set. Mine are no 137, Christus der ist mein Leben, and no 115, Es spricht der unweisen Mund. (Pub. Typeset)
op 142	Variations on 'St Matthew' for organ 2018 - 19 The variations on St Matthew started as a couple of variations dashed off to mark the Pearl wedding in July 2018 of Dr Sara Caine and Prof. Mark Hull. The work was expanded to a theme and 9 variations in August 2019, dedicated to Sara and Mark, and first performed and recorded on October 4th 2019 at St Margaret's Ilkley. (Pub. Typeset)
op 148	Ten little hymn-tune preludes Seven of these were written in a week in August 2020, and three more a week or two later, using hymn suitable to the following Sunday. Very short, but hopefully catching the essence of each hymn. (Pub. Typeset)
op 151	Seven chorale preludes These fairly extended hymn-tune preludes were written in January 2021. They were the first music I recorded on the organ of St Margaret's using the built-in microphones and recorder. They are: Repton (Dear Lord and Father); Helmsley (Lo he comes); Saffron Walden (Just as I am); Schmucke dich (Deck thyself); Cruger (Hail to the Lord's anointed), St Edmund (Songs of thankfulness and praise) and Nun danket all (Jesus, these eyes have never seen...) Stewart Smith has recorded the set in August 2021 after the first concert performance on June 11th. (Pub. Typeset)
op 151	Seven Chorale Preludes These 7 preludes on well-known hymn-tunes were the second set of 'lock-down' hymn-preludes I produced: this set was written in a couple of weeks in January/February 2021. The hymns involved are: Repton (Dear Lord and Father of mankind); Helmsley (Lo, he comes); Saffron Walden (Just as I am); Schmuecke dich (Deck thyself); Crueger (Hail to the Lord's annointed); St Edmund (Songs of thankfulness and praise); and Nun danket all (Jesus, these eyes) The Chorale Preludes op 151 were performed in a recital later the same year, on June 11th (once recitals resumed) alongside music by Buxtehude and Whitlock. (Pub. Typeset)
op 153	Hymn-tune preludes More pieces based on hymn-tunes, all composed in March 2021. Michael (All my hope...); Old 104th (Disposer supreme); Ein feste Burg (Rejoice today); Bread of heaven; Chorus angelorum (Praise to the Holiest); Westminster (My God, how wonderful); Rievaulx (Father of Heaven); Love unknown; Eisenach (O love, how deep); Christchurch (Now is eternal life); Farley Castle (Most glorious Lord of life). This set of 11 preludes was played and recorded in the recital on 3rd December 2021 at St Margaret's Ilkley. (Pub. Typeset)
op 161	A Moody Jazz Suite Four movements: In a sprightly mood; Gloomy and elegiac; Lazybones; Excitable and cheeky, written in September/October 2023. First performance: Bradford Cathedral 31.i.24. Second performance: St Margaret's Ilkley 2.ii.24 (Pub. Typeset)