Ian Venables

Rhapsody Op. 25

This solo Organ work, written in 2009 and dedicated to the memory of the great 20th Century English church composer, Herbert Howells, has been received with high critical acclaim by both Organ specialists and general music lovers.

Although he captures a glimpse of Howells' middle period style and intense harmonic language, Venables manages not to stoop to pastiche, treading his own distinct path and producing a noble and poetic piece which would not be out of place as the centerpiece of any concert programme.

It was used for this purpose to great effect in Ian Tracey's recital marking the 76th anniversary of the great Liverpool Cathedral Organ, which also showed its special suitability for performance on powerful cathedral-type instruments.

Also performed successfully by Adrian Lucas.

Approx. 9 minutes in length.