Howard Skempton

50 Preludes and Fugues 1

This is the first of two books of preludes and fugues for solo organ by Howard Skempton. Each book comprises 25 pairs of preludes and fugues based around the 24 major and minor keys. The additional entry in each book, through an extension of the musical alphabet, employs the notes B-A-C-H and the initials of the composer as the thematic material. These short works exhibit a range of Skempton's compositional styles, from the sparse and minimalist to the quirky and waltz-like. With movements ranging from a few bars to a few minutes in length, this collection will appeal equally to students and recitalists looking for contemporary British organ repertoire.

Howard Skempton (b. 1947)

Born in Chester in 1947, Howard Skempton has worked as a composer, accordionist, and music publisher. Renowned for the distinctive clarity of his musical language, he has composed over 300 pieces, many of which are miniatures for solo piano or accordion. His orchestral and instrumental works have been recorded by, among others, the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Ensemble Bash. In recent years, Skempton has concentrated increasingly on writing vocal and choral music; his choral commissions include works for the BBC Singers and the Belfast Philharmonic Society. He is currently an Honorary Professor of Music at De Montfort University.